Rooftop Snow Removal

Snow and mountain towns go hand in hand; it’s one of the main reasons we live here! But along with the fun snow brings to our outdoor adventure, also comes maintenance, particularly during years with heavy snowfall.

Keeping your roof clear of snow isn’t something to take lightly, especially if you live in an older or remodeled home. Building standards may have been different than current building codes.

One of the most damaging effects of leaving snow on your roof is ice dams, a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof and prevents melting snow from draining. When this happens, water that backs up behind the dam can leak into the home, causing damage such as wet attic insulation, stained and sagging ceilings, warped floors and peeling paint. This moisture can also lead to mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems.

Another danger includes roof vents getting bent by sliding snow or clogged with ice, which can trap dangerous gases inside your home. And while they are gorgeous, icicles can easily break and fall on someone.

So how do you know when to have your roof cleared? A good rule of thumb is after every 6” of snowfall. However, if you’ve never had ice dams and are only concerned about the weight of the snow causing your roof to collapse, you could wait a bit longer.

It’s essential to monitor the conditions. Check the weight of the snow; wet, substantial snow needs cleared sooner than light snow.

Watch the weather forecast; if it’s above freezing, the snow should melt quickly, and leaving it should be fine. However, if the temperature drops below freezing and more snow is on the way, you should have the snow professionally removed.

Be extra cautious if it rains on top of the snow as this adds more weight.

Flat and low-pitched roofs need clearing more often.

Keep in mind; rooftop snow removal can be dangerous. It can cause damage to your roof; therefore, we recommend professional services. At Alta Vista Roofing, we take great care with snow removal. We use steam to remove ice dams and frozen gutters gently to prevent damage to your home.

To learn more or schedule a removal, give us a call at 435-565-6375, we would love to help!