How to Prevent a Roof Collapse by Snow Loads

Driveways and walkways are usually the first--and sometimes the only--places where homeowners worry about clearing snow. But it's important not to forget about rooftops. Though your roof is likely capable of handling an average snowfall during any given winter, according to agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang, certain winters can be more crippling than others, and the cumulative effect of many snowy winters can cause collapse. Therefore, it's important to be prepared to shovel your roof if necessary.

Roof rake
Shovel
Ladder
Footwear with solid grip/tread
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the area below your roof of any snow and debris, creating a space for snow to land and for you to obtain solid footing.
- 2
  Using a roof rake, stand on firm, level ground and rake the snow you can reach from your rooftop onto the ground below. Keep in mind that snow can be light and fluffy or wet and pasty, and that pasty snow is much heavier and more difficult to remove in large clumps. In that instance, remove the snow in small strokes.
- 3
  If your roof is flat, either climb a ladder to reach the rooftop or climb out a window onto the roof that is covered in snow. If your roof is not flat, it is not recommended that you try to climb/walk on it.
- 4
  Using a shovel, toss remaining snow off the roof in small scoops. Take care not to lift shovelfuls that are too heavy and maintain proper balance at all times. Again, bear in mind that wet snow is much heavier and such removal could require smaller, more frequent scoops.
- 5
  Complete these steps after each major snowstorm to avoid dangerous weight accumulation on rooftops.

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