Snow removal from roofs

[itchy]

Don't know if there is thread yet about this but wondering if anyone has had snow/ice removed from their roof. I have Alot of ice buildup and now have water coming in my bathroom window - it's an old crappy block glass window so now sealed well, but nonetheless, I need to get the ice off my roof and don't think it's a job I can't tackle myself!

Anyone have good experiences, bad experiences, tips????

[Rocket 88]

I was discussing this with someone the other day. They had heard that you can do more damage to the surface of the shingles than good from removing the snow. Now obviously if you have a leak that is a different story, however it is also likely that you have a compromised roof already if it is leaking.

[Elgaard 81]

roofalin works

[fergyrocks]

The only reason I can see to get up there is if the plumbing vents are plugged. The roof is designed for snow load.

[RiderCanes]

The only reason I can see to get up there is if the plumbing vents are plugged. The roof is designed for snow load.

This.

I would highly discourage anyone from scaling their roofs to remove snow buildup.....very risky situation to be in unnecessarily.

[Jacox85]

The only reason I can see to get up there is if the plumbing vents are plugged. The roof is designed for snow load.

Exactly this. Roofs are built to support snow loads in Saskatchewan. If they had this much snow in Arizona, thats another issue. Plus, all that snow gets thrown down around your basement and come spring time can be a much bigger issue.

[fergyrocks]

This.

I would highly discourage anyone from scaling their roofs to remove snow buildup.....very risky situation to be in unnecessarily.

I don't remember ever seeing a collapsed house roof on the local news. I guess if it started happening in my community, I'd think about it. Or if the eavestroughs started peeling off the house due to the weight. Never seen that either.

Anyway, that's what insurance is for. I'm not going to go by falling off the roof.

[itchy]

My roof does not leak in the summer only right now and last week when the temps got a bit warmer. I definately don't want to go up there myself and no way is be able to get that ice off there myself. I can handle replacing a few shingles but water damage inside my walls is another thing!

[RiderCanes]

My roof does not leak in the summer only right now and last week when the temps got a bit warmer. I definately don't want to go up there myself and no way is be able to get that ice off there myself. I can handle replacing a few shingles but water damage inside my walls is another thing!

If you've got ice buildup issues, Canadian Tire sells ice melters that look like hockey pucks, and you can toss them up from the ground.....not sure how well they work, but worth a try probably.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

[fergyrocks]

My roof does not leak in the summer only right now and last week when the temps got a bit warmer. I definately don't want to go up there myself and no way is be able to get that ice off there myself. I can handle replacing a few shingles but water damage inside my walls is another thing!

So, it's coming in your window on the side of your house? Do you have eavestroughs?

[MulderS]

Not sure what the design standards are out that way, but usually here in Ontario if you have 1m of snow on your roof you should probably start to clear it off.

Given that I live in a house built 90-100 years ago, it's probably a good idea. We've only ever had to do that twice.

[Oraclese]

I bought a roof rake from Home Depot ($42) and it worked well. Just a long pole with a shovel end pointed downward on it. No going up on your roof required. Just dont hit the roof too hard once you get through to the shingles.

I did this to help keep the eves troughs clear for when the melting starts, as well as to clear snow from around a couple fan vents.

[itchy]

Yep I do and they were just redone a couple years ago! There is a lot of ice damming at the edge of the roof right above where the window is. My plan is to replace that window this summer as it is an old block glass style and prob not sealed very well, but in the meantime...that is where I believe the problem is - when its super cold out no prob but when it gets to this minus 1 stuff then I have water drip down the inside.

[RobB]

Good roofing companies do this, It keeps their top people employed in the winter time, they come over and clean the roof off. I did mine on the weekend, removed the snow in one valley that melts and causes an ice dam. I have used a roof rake as well, I didn't have it available so I climbed up on the roof...which is a job best left to the pros. Once up there I had to clear an ice cap over the sewer vent.

[VANRIDERFAN]

I get a pile of snow on my garage roof and I climb up there to clear it off because of the ice dams in the eavetroughs. On all new builds in my area (Maple Ridge in NW Regina) there are hard points at the peak where you attach a line from a four point harness. Completely safe and I clear the snow from the side of the house.

[Gforce]

I bought a roof rake from Home Depot ($42) and it worked well. Just a long pole with a shovel end pointed downward on it. No going up on your roof required. Just dont hit the roof too hard once you get through to the shingles.

I did this to help keep the eves troughs clear for when the melting starts, as well as to clear snow from around a couple fan vents.

No need to scrape right down to the shingles, leave a bit of snow on.......as for ice dams, yeah, plus 3 in Saskatoon today going back down to -10 today, definetely not going to help that issue.

[itchy]

Any roofing companies to recommend or which to stay away from?

[A Rider Fan]

Either Peavey Mart or Princess Auto had roof rakes on for about $20..might be a worthwhile investment right now while it is melting?

[convoy]

Your problem is NOT snow...your problem is insulation. If snow is melting on your roof that means heat is escaping causing the snow to melt and form ice against the shingles. Your attic is obviously under-insulated and needs more insulation to prevent the snow from melting and further damaging your shingles thus causing leakage in your home. Your first call should be to get that attic insulated.

[DownTownBrown]

Your problem is NOT snow...your problem is insulation. If snow is melting on your roof that means heat is escaping causing the snow to melt and form ice against the shingles. Your attic is obviously under-insulated and needs more insulation to prevent the snow from melting and further damaging your shingles thus causing leakage in your home. Your first call should be to get that attic insulated.

I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned until 20 posts in! At any rate, I agree with Convoy. A new window will help, but if you want to eliminate the route cause (ie the ice dam) you may need to evaluate your insulation situation.