Removing Snow Off Pole Barns

Roof Rakes

• The safest option for removing snow off a roof is a roof rake. Roof rakes are long blades attached to poles that extend several feet to reach the roof. Some roof rake blades are shaped like half shovels. The blade is plastic or rubber and works to help pull the snow from the pole barn's roof. The extended handle can go up to 20 feet with optional 4- to 6-foot extensions if needed. To rake the roof, stand far enough away from the roof's edge to avoid the avalanche of snow that the rake brings down. Leave at least 2 to 4 inches of snow on the roof to prevent damage to the shingles from raking.

Heating the Roof

• Another safe option is heating the roof. Heat rises and escapes through the roof of any structure. To help melt the snow on the roof of your pole barn, heat it using electric utility heaters. Heat the barn continuously during the snow fall and thereafter. The process is very slow and shouldn't be used to remove deep accumulations of snow as a collapse can occur well before the heat melts the snow. Some pole barn owners install intricate heating systems on the ceiling of the pole barn to melt the snow quickly. For such a system, contact your local heating and air conditioning expert.

Preventing Roof Problems in Snow

• Prevent the need to remove the snow by creating a pole barn with a steep roof. Such a roof will allow the snow to slide off, preventing dangerous accumulations that could damage the roof. Shoring up the roof in spots that would be vulnerable to collapse from heavy snow is another option. The process may include adding beams and columns to strengthen weak spots. Inspecting the roof for weakness and other repair issues can also prevent damage from a heavy snow.

When to Let the Snow Remain

• Not every bit of snow must be removed from your roof. Pole barn raking leaves at least 3 or 4 inches on the roof, making such an amount a safe accumulation. The accumulation also depends on the type of snow. Dry light flakes of snow are lighter than heavy, wet slushy snow. The roof can hold up to 4 feet of the dry fluffy snow, but only 2 feet of the wet, slushy stuff.