Why should you clear snow from your roof?
It’s not always easy to adapt to Mother Nature’s whims, especially when winter throws more and more surprises at us. With increasingly frequent thaws occurring between storms, the freeze-thaw cycle is completely disrupted. It takes a bit of wit to be prepared. The weight of snow on our roofs can accumulate in no time, so we must be vigilant.
The impact on our roofs:
We need to adopt new habits and be prepared. We know that the weight accumulated on our roofs can be impressive, and we need to act. We definitely don’t want to end up having to deal with an emergency. We need to be smart to counteract thaws and their effects.
Clearing snow from the roof of your house
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec does not have specific regulations regarding snow removal from our roofs. What’s reassuring is that our roofs are built to withstand the weight of our Quebec winters. We must still remain vigilant, as the risks vary depending on the type of snow. A large amount of light snow will not pose the same problem as a small amount of wet snow or ice.
Time to take action for your roof
So, when should you take action? It’s simple: monitor the roof slope. As soon as there is more than 60 cm (two feet) of snow, you must remove it. For a flat roof, you must remove it if the snow reaches 70 cm of fresh snow, 38 cm of hardened snow, or 17 cm of ice. The goal is to remove the excess weight from your roof. You can also take this opportunity to clear roof vents and plumbing vents. This is essential if you’re in the middle of a freeze-thaw cycle, or if ice has formed. You also need to monitor roof overhangs, where wind can cause snow to pile up.
Red alert for your roof!
If you notice cracks or sagging inside the house, if doors start to rub or are difficult to close, or if ice dams form, you’re in for an emergency. These signs indicate that significant pressure is being exerted on the roof. Generally, snow removal will restore the situation without damaging the structure of your home. You should also be aware of falling snow or ice, which can pose a threat to passersby.
How to do it?
The best scenario is to entrust this work to specialized companies like us. It’s a matter of safety and prevents damage to the roof. If you decide to do it yourself, you must absolutely use a safety harness. Use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one to avoid damaging the roof covering. You also need to be smart and not remove the snow completely from the roof: leave at least a 4-inch layer. For a sloped roof, use a long pole and a scraper from a firmly planted ladder.
Vigilance is always essential to avoid more serious problems. Don’t wait until you have problems before taking action!
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