When snow falls, it’s pretty to look at and fun to play in. But when it piles up on the roof of tall houses, like 2-story homes, it can be a problem. This is because the height makes it tricky and risky to remove the snow.
If you live where it snows a lot, you need to know how to safely get rid of that roof snow. This article will show easy and safe ways to keep your tall house’s roof clear of snow.
Importance of Snow Removal
Snow removal is important for maintaining the safety and integrity of your roof, especially if you have a 2-story roof that can accumulate a lot of wet snow.
Here are some reasons why you should safely remove snow from your roof regularly:
- Snow is heavy and can put a lot of pressure on your roof, causing cracks or even collapse. You want to avoid structural damage that can be costly and dangerous.
- Snow can cause ice dams, which are blocks of ice that form at the edges of your roof and prevent water from draining off. Ice dams can lead to leaks, mold, mildew, and damage to your shingles and insulation. You want to prevent water damage that can affect your home’s comfort and quality.
- Snow can slide off your roof and injure people or damage property below. You want to prevent potential accidents that can harm you or others.
- Roof snow removal may be required by your insurance policy, as part of regular maintenance. You want to comply with your insurance requirements and avoid losing coverage or paying higher premiums.
When to Remove Snow from a Roof
On average, a square foot of fresh snow weighs 3 pounds while wet snow weighs about 21 pounds per square foot. Ice weighs 57 pounds a square foot.
Rooftop snow removal is important for protecting your roof from damage and leaks. Here are some tips on when to remove snow from your roof, depending on the type and condition of your roof.
Sloped Roofs:
Most sloped roofs can support the weight of the snow, as long as they are built to code. However, older roofs may not be able to handle too much snow and may collapse. A good rule of thumb is to remove snow from your roof when it reaches 12 inches or higher.
Flat Roofs:
Flat roof is more susceptible to snow and ice accumulation, potentially leading to structural damage due to increased weight and pressure as the snow melts.
Clear snow from these roofs before it reaches a depth of 12 inches, especially if more snowfall is anticipated.
Signs of roof stress include sagging ceilings, wall cracks, and difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows. While steep roofs naturally shed snow due to gravity, flat roofs retain it.
The excess snow can exacerbating the weight issue. Most roofs are built to withstand snow, but flat designs are particularly vulnerable.
Ice Dams:
Ice dams are blocks of ice that form at the edges of your roof and prevent water from draining off. They can cause leaks, mold, mildew, and damage to your shingles and insulation.
You should remove snow from your roof as soon as you notice ice dams forming, and improve your attic insulation and ventilation to prevent them in the future.
Step by Step Process of Removing Snow From 2-Story Roof
If you want to remove snow from your 2-story roof, you need to follow some steps and use some tools. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather Materials
Get a snow rake, a ladder, a shovel, a broom, and safety gear. A roof rake is a tool with a long handle that can reach the snow on your roof and pull it down. You can find one at a hardware store or online.
Step 2: Find a Safe and Stable Place to Put your Ladder
Make sure the ladder is secure and goes at least three feet above the roof edge. Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection when you go up the ladder.
Step 3: Start Raking
Use the roof rake to remove the snow from the lower part of your roof. Start from one end and move to the other, pulling the snow down in sections.
Be careful not to touch any power lines or hurt any roof covering. Leave about an inch of snow on the roof to avoid scratching the roof surface.
Move the ladder along the roof edge as you need to reach all the parts. You may need to use a shovel or a broom to clear the snow from the ground where it falls.
Do not pile the snow near your house, as it may cause water damage when it melts.
Step 4: Look for Any Ice Dams on your Roof
Ice dams are blocks of ice that form at the edge of your roof and stop water from draining off.
They can cause leaks and damage to your roof and home. If you see any ice dams, you can try to break them with a hammer or an ice pick, or use a hose to spray hot water on them.
You can also use a deicing product, such as calcium chloride, to melt the ice dams.
Step 5: Repeat the Procedure
Repeat the process until you have removed all the snow from your 2-story roof. You may need to do this several times during the winter season, depending on how much snow you get.
You can also hire a professional snow removal service if you are not comfortable doing it yourself or if you have a big or complicated roof.
Tips for Removing Snow from a 2-Story Building
Removing snow from a 2-story building can be challenging and risky, but it is important to prevent roof damage and leaks. Here are some tips to help you do it safely and effectively:
Use the Right Tools
You will need a roof rake, a ladder, a shovel, a broom, and safety gear. A roof rake is a long-handled tool that can reach the snow on your roof and pull it down.
You can buy one at a hardware store or online . You should avoid using metal tools, as they can scratch or damage your roof.
Work from the Ground if Possible
The safest way to remove snow from your roof is to use a roof rake from the ground. You should stand at a safe distance from the roof edge and extend the roof rake to pull down the snow in sections.
Leave about an inch of snow on the roof to protect the roof surface and clear the snow from the ground where it falls, and avoid piling it near your house foundation.
Use a Ladder if Necessary
If you can’t reach all the areas of your roof with a roof rake from the ground, you may need to use a ladder. Choose a stable and secure spot to set up your ladder, and make sure it extends at least three feet above the roof edge.
Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection when climbing the ladder. You should also have someone on the ground to help you and watch out for falling snow.
Check for Ice Dams
Ice dams are blocks of ice that form at the edge of your roof and prevent water from draining off. They can cause leaks and damage to your roof and home.
If you see any ice dams, you can try to break them with a hammer or an ice pick, or use a hose to spray hot water on them. You can also use a deicing product, such as calcium chloride, to melt the ice dams.
Repeat as Needed
Depending on how much snowfall you get, you may need to remove snow from your 2-story building several times during the winter season. You should not let more than a foot of snow accumulate on your roof, as it can cause too much weight and pressure on your roof structure.
Hire a Professional Service if Needed
If you are not comfortable or confident doing it yourself, or if you have a large or complex roof, you may want to hire a professional snow removal service.
They have the expertise, equipment, and safety standards to do the job efficiently and effectively. You can check reviews, references, insurance, licensing, and estimates before choosing a reliable service provider.
Alternative Ways of Removing Snow from a 2-Story Building
There are other ways to remove snow from a 2-story building besides raking. Some of them are:
1. Using a Snow Blower
A snow blower is a device that blows snow off the roof with air pressure. You can climb a ladder to reach the roof and then use the snow blower to clear the snow. You should be careful not to hurt the roof or the gutters with the snow blower.
2. Using a Shovel and Chisel
If you don’t have a snow blower, you can use a shovel and chisel to break and remove the snow from the roof. You should wear gloves and eye protection when using this method. When shoveling snow, do it systematically and not too much at once, as it may make the roof collapse.
3. Using a Deicing Product
A deicing product, such as calcium chloride, can help melt snow on your roof. You can apply the product on your roof using a hose or a sprayer. You should follow the instructions on the product label and avoid contact with your skin and eyes.
Conclusion
Snow accumulation on your roof poses a significant risk due to its weight. Being proactive by using a roof rake or hiring professionals is key. This is not merely about appearances but about ensuring your home’s safety throughout winter.
Equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge. Prioritize warmth and vigilance to shield your home. Your actions make a difference in maintaining a secure, snow-free roof.