Importance of Roof Shoveling

Weather Forecast

• A layer of light, fluffy snow may be all right, and it may slide off naturally as the sun melts it. Paying attention to the weather forecast is key, however. If the weather stays too cold for snow to melt and it keeps piling up, shoveling may be necessary. If snow, ice or sleet is headed your way, and you haven't shoveled, a heavy pileup could result -- and ice will make the pileup more difficult and dangerous to remove.

Building Structure

• In snowy regions, having a steeply pitched roof helps protect the building from structural damage due to snow. You may not need to shovel at all for this type of roof, because gravity helps to pull the snow down. Nonetheless, monitor your roof and be prepared to step in if gravity doesn't do the job. Flat roofs require a great deal more maintenance with heavy snowfall. Smaller buildings are generally less prone to collapse than larger buildings such as warehouses, because the smaller buildings have more support relative to its roof area.

Strategies

• Get a professional opinion from a contractor, ideally the one who built your home, about how much weight your roof can support. After two feet of snow piles up, shoveling it off is often prudent. A long tool called a snow rake can help you remove the snow and ice. Regularly cleaning your gutters, especially before snow storms, helps melting water drain naturally. Check your local building code regulations to make sure you comply with local laws regarding the removal of snow and ice.

Safety

• Safety is important when shoveling your roof. Slipping, getting hit by falling snow and ice and overworking yourself all pose hazards. Hiring a professional to do the job is an alternative if you're not sure how to do the job safely. Always have someone on hand to spot you if you do it yourself. Always warm up first with gentle exercise and stretching so you don't hurt your back, advises the North Dakota State University website. Avoid getting on the roof if possible. Not only does this put you at risk of sliding, but your weight could add more stress to the roof.