Should I Remove Snow From My Roof ?

Quebec winters bring heavy snowfalls, raising concerns about roof maintenance and snow removal. While clearing your roof might seem like a simple task, it comes with serious risks, including falls, injuries, and damage to the roof itself. A wrong move can lead to costly repairs, making it crucial to determine whether you should handle the task yourself or hire a professional.

Why Is Roof Snow Removal Important?

Regular snow removal prevents structural damage and ensures home safety. Excessive snow accumulation weighs down the roof, weakening the structure and causing cracks in walls. In extreme cases, this can lead to roof collapse.

Melting snow can also create ice dams, leading to water infiltration, insulation damage, and mold growth. The freeze-thaw cycle deteriorates roofing materials, causing shingle cracks and detachment. Clearing your roof properly helps prevent these issues before they escalate.

Should You Remove Snow from Your Roof Yourself?

While DIY roof snow removal can seem like a cost-saving and quick solution, it carries significant risks that can compromise both your safety and your roof’s integrity.

Potential Benefits of DIY Roof Snow Removal

Handling the job yourself eliminates the cost of hiring a professional, which typically ranges from $500 to $1000 per visit. Additionally, during peak winter storms, roofing companies are often fully booked, making DIY an immediate solution when waiting isn’t an option. For low-pitched and easily accessible roofs, using a telescopic snow rake allows for safe and effective snow removal without climbing onto the roof.

Risks and Drawbacks of DIY Snow Removal

The risk of falling is significant when working on a slippery, snow-covered surface, especially without safety equipment like harnesses, anchors, or non-slip boots. Every year, numerous accidents occur due to loss of balance or inadequate precautions.

Using the wrong tools—such as metal shovels or scrapers—can tear waterproof membranes, dislodge shingles, or puncture the roof surface, causing long-term damage. Even with the right technique, excessive pressure on the structure can do more harm than good.

Removing heavy snow is also physically demanding, requiring endurance and strength. Without the proper equipment, the process becomes time-consuming and exhausting, especially for larger or steeper roofs.

How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Roof

If you decide to clear the snow yourself, following the right techniques and using the correct tools is essential to avoid accidents and roof damage.

Recommended Equipment for Safe Snow Removal

A telescopic snow rake with a plastic edge is ideal for removing snow from the ground or a stabilized ladder, minimizing fall risks. Wearing a safety harness attached to an anchor point provides extra security for those working on a sloped roof.

Non-slip boots improve traction, while insulated, waterproof clothing ensures comfort in harsh winter conditions. A stable ladder with a secured anchor point is crucial to prevent slips and falls.

Best Practices for Protecting Your Roof

To avoid damaging the roof, never remove all the snow—leave a 5-10 cm layer to protect the membrane from direct exposure. Work in small sections to avoid shifting heavy loads too quickly, which could strain the roof structure.

Start clearing snow from the bottom up to prevent it from falling onto already cleared areas, which could create dangerous weight imbalances. Avoid using metal tools, as they can scratch or puncture roofing materials, leading to costly repairs.

If the snow is compacted or icy, calling a professional is recommended to prevent roof damage or personal injury.

Why Hire a Professional for Roof Snow Removal?

Roof snow removal can be complex and hazardous, especially in harsh winter conditions. Hiring a professional ensures safe and efficient removal while protecting both your roof and your safety.

At Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit, we offer fast, secure roof snow removal services for residential, commercial, and multi-unit buildings. Our experts use specialized equipment to remove snow safely without damaging your roof.

Contact us today for a professional snow removal service that ensures the safety and longevity of your roof!