Maintenance Guides / Exterior & Structure

Clear Roof Snow After Heavy Snowstorm

Difficulty: moderateTime: 120 minsEst. Cost: $200 - $600

Why it matters

A typical roof can hold ~20 lbs per sq ft; wet snow can exceed this, causing roof collapse and crushing anyone below. Insurance often won't cover damage if snow isn't cleared.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Monitor weather forecasts; plan to clear roof within 24 hours of storm ending.

  • 2

    Use a long roof rake (20+ feet) from the ground to pull snow off eaves and lower roof areas.

  • 3

    Do not walk on a snow-covered roof; risk of slipping and injury is extreme.

  • 4

    Avoid pulling ice dams or icicles; work from eaves upward to avoid damaging gutters.

  • 5

    For steep or high roofs, or snow loads >24 inches, hire a licensed roof-snow-removal contractor.

  • 6

    After clearing, inspect gutters and downspouts for ice dams; apply heat tape if needed to allow water drainage.