Although we don’t get much in the way of snow here in Arkansas, ice and water accumulation on the roof can cause problems if not dealt with properly or promptly. If you’re planning to remove snow or ice from your roof this winter, keep reading for 8 tips that will keep you and your property safe in the process.
Why You Can’t Always Leave Snow or Ice to Melt
Some roofs may be able to handle light accumulation of snow or ice. However, there are a number of conditions that can make snow, ice, and water accumulation problematic for your roof.
For starters, if more than six inches of snow or ice sits on top of your roof (and it shows no signs of melting soon), it’s time to start clearing it. Even if it’s in good condition, a pile-up of twelve inches can pose a serious threat to the integrity of your roof.
Also, your gutters may be at risk. If your gutters weren’t cleaned before the winter season began, the clogged debris could keep melted water from reaching the ground. And if your gutters freeze over, it can cause damage within.
In some cases, melted water doesn’t make it to the gutters. When this happens, ice dams may form. This is when water collects along the edge of the roof and freezes. While icicles may be easy enough to clear away, ice dams higher up on the roof with nowhere to go will eventually find somewhere to go — like through cracks or holes in your shingles and roofing material.
Keeping your roof clear of snow and ice in the winter will reduce the likelihood that they’ll cause lasting (and expensive) damage to it.
How to Safely Remove Ice and Snow from Your Roof
Here are 8 tips to keep in mind as you work on removing ice and snow from your rooftop:
1. Work in Twos
Even if you’re not going up on the roof, it’s a good idea to have someone working with you. That way, one person can work on removal and the other can monitor the situation above and provide support as needed.
2. Stay on the Ground
Using a ladder to go up on the roof can be risky, in general. Add to that the snow or ice that’s falling, and it exponentially increases the risk. Whenever possible, do all your snow and ice clearing from the ground. Make sure to shovel any ice or snow beneath you before you begin working, too.
3. Don’t Use Destructive Chemicals or Tools
Harsh chemicals can degrade your roofing material. Sharp tools like ice picks can also be destructive. If you’re looking to avoid roof repairs after a storm, use a roof rake. This will allow you to clear the ice or snow while standing on the ground level.
4. Watch Your Positioning
When pulling icicles, snow, and ice from the roof, watch where you stand. Avoid standing beneath the eaves and try to stand off to the side slightly so as to avoid getting caught under heavy, wet snow mounds or falling icicles.
5. Leave Some Snow
This might seem counterintuitive. However, you risk scraping up or damaging your shingles if you try to remove every inch of snow that’s up there. Leave an inch or so there, so you know your roof rake didn’t get too close to the shingles.
6. Clear the Gutters and Drains, Too
If there are a lot of icicles building up around your gutters and downspouts, it could be a sign that they’re backed up with ice and debris. After you’ve safely removed the icicles, inspect the ends of the gutters and see if you can remove what’s blocking the flow of water.
7. Watch for Signs of Ice Dams
Even if you’re not working on the roof, there are ways to tell if an ice dam is forming. Pay close attention to areas where icicles are building up. If they’re just around the gutters, the roof may be fine for now. However, if it looks like water and ice are building up behind them on the roof, you could have the start of an ice dam.
8. Apply Ice and Water Shield
Ice and water shield is an underlayment membrane that helps roofs resist water penetration. This is especially useful to have in areas where water and ice accumulate, like chimneys, valleys, and vents.
If you’re looking for a way to proactively keep your roof clear and safe during the winter, talk to your roofing contractor about getting it installed before the winter storms begin.
Need Help with Snow and Ice Removal?
Snow and ice removal from a roof can be quite the challenge. It can also be dangerous depending on the weather conditions and how much has accumulated.
Rather than take this task on yourself, give Foster Roofing a call. Our teams are trained to safely work on and restore roofs. We’re happy to help!