Removing built-up snow should be a top priority during the winter here in New Hampshire, as snow loads can jeopardize the structural integrity of your roof. If not properly cleared after a storm, large accumulations of heavy, wet snow can cause your roof to buckle or collapse, resulting not only in property damage, but also in potential injuries to people and/or pets.
Use the following tips to safely remove snow loads to prevent roof collapse:
Remove the snow loads yourself with a roof rake, or consider hiring a professional.If you hire a professional, it’s crucial to ensure that they have proper insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Liability insurance will protect you and your property, whereas workers’ compensation will protect the company’s workers in the event that one of them sustains an injury on the job. Always ask for a copy of their insurance certificate.
- If you use shovels, be sure to use plastic ones as opposed to metal to prevent damage to your roof’s membrane.
- Do not remove snow all the way down to the roof covering.
- Another method is to use a plastic tarp, filling it with snow and releasing it over the side of the house, paying close attention to the areas where the snow lands.
Keep in mind that there are several factors, such as ice dams and rain, which can add more weight to the snow on your roof, further contributing to its instability. For this reason, it’s best to rid your roof of snow as soon as possible after a storm.
At Eaton & Berube, the protection of your home is our priority. For additional home maintenance tips and useful resources, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.