Reader Question: Should I Remove Snow From My Roof?
THE QUESTION (FROM LAST YEAR):
"We got 18 inches of snow last night and my neighbor is already up on a ladder scraping his roof. I'm looking at my snow-covered roof and wondering if I should be doing the same thing. How much snow is too much? When do I actually need to remove snow from my roof, and when is it just paranoia? And if I do need to remove it, what's the safe way to do it without damaging my roof or killing myself?"
THE SHORT ANSWER:
Most Maine roofs don't need snow removal after typical storms. Your roof was engineered to handle substantial snow loads—typically 50-70 pounds per square foot depending on your location. However, you should remove snow when accumulation exceeds 2 feet, when you have multiple storms without melting, when ice dams are forming, or when you notice warning signs of structural stress. And critically: stay off your roof in winter. Snow removal should be done from the ground with proper tools, or by professionals.
Now let's dive into the details so you can make the right decision for your specific situation.
Understanding Snow Load: How Much Can Your Roof Actually Handle?
Before you panic about snow accumulation, it helps to understand that Maine building codes require roofs to be engineered for significant snow loads. Your roof is stronger than you think.
Maine's Snow Load Requirements
Maine building codes specify ground snow loads ranging from 50 pounds per square foot in coastal areas to 70+ pounds per square foot in inland and northern regions. Roof snow loads are calculated at approximately 70% of ground loads due to wind effects and roof pitch. This means your roof structure was designed to carry roughly 35-50 pounds per square foot of snow before reaching its design limit.
How Much Does Snow Actually Weigh?
This is where things get tricky, because snow weight varies dramatically based on its moisture content and how compacted it is:
Fresh, light powder: 3-5 pounds per cubic foot. A foot of this fluffy snow weighs only 3-5 pounds per square foot of roof.
Settled snow: 10-15 pounds per cubic foot. After sitting for several days, that same foot of snow now weighs 10-15 pounds per square foot.
Wet, heavy snow: 15-20 pounds per cubic foot. Wet spring snow or rain-soaked snow weighs 15-20 pounds per square foot per foot of depth.
Compacted snow: 20-30 pounds per cubic foot. Multiple storms with partial melting and refreezing create dense, heavy layers.
Ice: 57 pounds per cubic foot. Ice weighs substantially more than any form of snow. Just 6 inches of solid ice weighs about 30 pounds per square foot.
Doing the Math: When to Worry
Let's use a real-world example. Say you're in Portland, Maine, where the design snow load is about 50 pounds per square foot. Here's what different accumulations mean:
12 inches of fresh powder: 4-5 pounds per square foot. Your roof is fine—you're using less than 10% of its capacity.
24 inches of settled snow: 20-30 pounds per square foot. You're at 40-60% of capacity. Monitor but probably don't need to remove yet.
36 inches of mixed snow: 40-50 pounds per square foot. You're approaching your design limit. Time to consider removal.
24 inches of wet snow: 40-48 pounds per square foot. Very heavy. Should probably be removed despite relatively shallow depth.
The key takeaway: Fresh powder is surprisingly light. It's the wet, compacted, or layered snow from multiple storms that creates dangerous weight.
When Snow Removal Is Actually Necessary
Understanding when snow removal truly matters versus when it's unnecessary panic helps you make smart decisions and avoid wasted effort or expense.
Clear Signs You Should Remove Snow
1. Accumulation Exceeds 2 Feet
As a general rule of thumb, when snow depth on your roof exceeds 24 inches, it's time to remove some. This applies especially to settled or wet snow. Two feet of compacted snow can approach or exceed design loads on many Maine roofs. You don't necessarily need to remove all of it—getting it down to 12 inches or less typically provides adequate relief.
2. Multiple Storms Without Melting
Three 8-inch storms in two weeks are more concerning than one 24-inch storm, because layers compact and get denser. If you've had several storms without significant melting between them, you're accumulating weight faster than depth suggests. This is common during extended cold snaps when temperatures never rise enough for roof surfaces to shed snow naturally.
3. Heavy, Wet Snow
That late winter or early spring snowstorm that dumps heavy, wet snow is more dangerous than mid-winter powder. If you can barely lift a shovelful of snow from your driveway, your roof is carrying dangerous weight. Wet snow at 18 inches can weigh as much as 36 inches of light powder.
4. Ice Dam Formation
If you notice ice dams forming—thick ice buildups at roof edges, large icicles, or clear patches where snow has melted while eaves remain frozen—removing snow from your roof edges helps. You don't need to clear the entire roof, but removing the first 3-4 feet from the edge reduces the water source feeding ice dam growth. This is preventive removal rather than weight-related.
5. Visible Structural Warning Signs
These signs indicate your roof is under excessive stress and require immediate snow removal:
Sagging roofline or ceiling visible from outside or inside
Cracking sounds from your roof or attic
Doors or windows suddenly difficult to open or close
New cracks in interior walls or ceilings
Roof deck bowing visible from attic
If you observe any of these warning signs, get snow off your roof immediately and consider calling professionals. These indicate your roof is approaching its structural limits.
6. Low-Pitch or Flat Roofs
Roofs with pitches below 4:12 don't shed snow naturally and accumulate weight more quickly. Flat or low-slope roofs often need snow removal at lower accumulation thresholds—sometimes at 12-18 inches rather than 24 inches. If you have a flat-roof section, garage, or addition, pay extra attention to these areas.
7. Older Homes or Roofs Near End of Life
If your home was built before modern building codes (pre-1970s) or your roof is aging and potentially weakened, err on the side of caution. Remove snow more proactively than you would on a newer, structurally sound roof. Similarly, if you know your roof deck or rafters have rot or previous water damage, they can't handle design loads safely.
When Snow Removal Is Overkill
Now let's talk about when you can relax and leave the snow alone.
After Typical Single Storms
That 10-inch snowfall last night? Leave it. Your roof can handle this easily. Rushing out to remove snow after every storm is unnecessary work that puts you at risk for no benefit. Most Maine storms drop 6-12 inches of snow. Modern roofs handle this without stress.
Light, Fluffy Snow Under 18 Inches
Fresh powder is incredibly light. Eighteen inches of fluffy snow weighs roughly 5-10 pounds per square foot—barely 10-20% of your roof's capacity. Don't let the visual depth alarm you. If the snow is light enough that you can easily push your shovel through it, your roof is fine.
When Warm Weather Is Coming
Check the forecast. If temperatures are expected to rise above freezing within a few days, natural melting will remove snow for you. Unless you're approaching dangerous accumulations or seeing warning signs, it's often smarter to let nature handle it. This is especially true for lighter accumulations on steep roofs that will shed snow naturally once temperatures warm slightly.
Steep Roofs That Self-Shed
Roofs with pitches of 8:12 or steeper naturally shed snow, especially when the sun hits them or temperatures moderate. If you have a steep roof and see snow sliding off naturally, don't interfere. The roof is doing what it's designed to do. Just be aware of where snow will land and keep walkways clear below.
Trying to Keep Pace With Your Neighbor
Your neighbor raking their roof doesn't mean you need to. Everyone has different risk tolerances, and frankly, some people overreact. Make decisions based on actual conditions—snow depth, weight, structural signs, roof age—not on what others are doing. Your neighbor might have an older roof, a flatter pitch, or just be overly cautious.
Safe Snow Removal: How to Do It Without Getting Hurt or Damaging Your Roof
If you've determined snow removal is necessary, doing it safely is critical. Every winter, Maine emergency rooms treat homeowners who fell from roofs or ladders while removing snow. Your safety is more important than your roof.
The Golden Rule: Stay Off Your Roof
Let's be absolutely clear: Do not get on your roof in winter. Snow and ice make roofs incredibly slippery. Cold makes materials brittle and less forgiving of mistakes. The combination is deadly. Every winter, people die from winter roof falls. Many more suffer serious injuries—broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries.
All necessary snow removal can be done from the ground with proper tools. If the snow accumulation is so severe that ground-based removal isn't feasible, that's when you call professionals with proper safety equipment, training, and insurance.
The Right Tool: Roof Rakes
A roof rake is a specialized tool designed for removing snow from roofs while standing safely on the ground. It consists of a large, flat blade (typically 16-24 inches wide) attached to an extendable pole (usually 15-25 feet when fully extended).
Choosing a Roof Rake
Look for these features:
Wheels or slide bars on the blade: These allow the rake to glide over your shingles without catching or damaging them.
Adequate reach: Measure from your ground to your roof edge and add 10 feet. That's your minimum pole length needed.
Sturdy construction: Cheap plastic rakes break. Invest in a quality tool with a metal blade and strong pole connections.
Rope-operated models: Some advanced rakes have rope systems that let you pull snow off in sheets. These work well but take practice.
How to Use a Roof Rake Properly
1. Start from the edge and work up: Position yourself directly below the area you're clearing. Pull the rake straight down toward yourself, removing snow from the edge first, then working your way up the roof.
2. Clear only the first 3-4 feet: You don't need to clear your entire roof. Focus on the eave area where ice dams form and where weight is most problematic. The middle and upper portions of your roof can usually keep their snow.
3. Use short, controlled pulls: Don't try to remove huge amounts at once. Take off 6-12 inches per pass. This reduces the risk of damaging shingles and makes the work easier.
4. Leave an inch or two of snow: Don't scrape down to bare shingles. Leave a thin layer of snow as a buffer to prevent accidentally damaging roofing materials with the rake blade.
5. Watch for power lines: Be constantly aware of overhead power lines. Metal or wet poles can conduct electricity. Maintain safe distance from all wires.
6. Mind where snow falls: Roof snow slides off in large quantities. Make sure nobody is below, and clear a path so you can move away if needed. Don't let snow pile against your foundation or block exits.
7. Take breaks: Roof raking is tiring, especially with heavy wet snow. The extended pole creates substantial leverage. Rest frequently to avoid overexertion or loss of control.
What NOT to Do
Don't use metal shovels or sharp tools: They damage shingles and can puncture roofing membranes. Roof rakes are designed specifically to be gentle on roofing materials.
Don't chip at ice: Trying to break up ice dams with hammers, chisels, or picks damages your roof far more than the ice itself. If you have ice that needs removal, call professionals with steaming equipment.
Don't use salt or ice melt products broadly: Rock salt corrodes metal components and can damage shingles. If you use ice melt, use calcium chloride placed carefully in targeted locations, not broadcast across your roof.
Don't work alone: Have someone else home while you're working, in case of emergency. Snow removal accidents happen quickly.
Don't overextend: If you can't reach an area safely with your rake, leave it. Trying to work at extreme angles or overextending the rake leads to loss of control and potential injury.
Don't ignore your physical limits: If you have heart conditions, back problems, or aren't physically fit, hire professionals. Snow removal is strenuous work that triggers heart attacks and back injuries.
When to Call Professionals
Some situations require professional snow removal services. Don't let pride or cost concerns prevent you from calling for help when it's needed.
Call Professionals If:
You're seeing structural warning signs: Sagging, cracking sounds, or difficulty opening doors/windows mean your roof is in distress. Professional removal is urgent.
Accumulation is extreme: More than 3 feet of snow, or very heavy wet snow that exceeds what you can safely remove with a rake.
You can't reach your roof safely: Very steep roofs, tall homes, or complex roof geometries that make rake access difficult or dangerous.
You have ice dams that need removal: Established ice dams require professional steaming equipment for safe removal without roof damage.
You're physically unable: Age, health conditions, or physical limitations make the work unsafe for you.
It's a commercial or large building: Commercial buildings, apartment complexes, or very large homes need professional equipment and expertise.
You're uncomfortable with the task: If you're unsure, nervous, or uncomfortable, that's reason enough to hire help. Your safety matters more than the service cost.
What Professional Services Provide
Professional snow removal services have proper safety equipment including harnesses, roof anchors, and insurance. They understand roof construction and material limitations. They can assess structural concerns you might miss. They have industrial roof rakes, steamers for ice dam removal, and experience working efficiently in dangerous conditions. The cost—typically $200-500 for residential snow removal—is modest compared to medical bills from a fall or repair costs from roof damage you cause trying to DIY.
Prevention: Reducing Future Snow Removal Needs
The best snow removal is the kind you don't have to do. Several preventive measures reduce how often you'll need to clear your roof:
Improve attic insulation: Proper insulation keeps your roof deck cold in winter. A cold roof deck means less melting, which means less ice dam formation. This alone can dramatically reduce snow concerns.
Ensure adequate ventilation: Good airflow from soffit to ridge keeps your attic temperature close to outside temperature. This prevents the warm roof/cold eave condition that creates ice dams.
Seal attic air leaks: Air leaks around light fixtures, plumbing penetrations, and attic hatches let warm air into your attic, warming the roof deck. Sealing these stops the problem at its source.
Install ice and water shield: This rubberized membrane under shingles at roof edges and valleys provides backup protection if ice dams form, preventing water penetration even when snow backs up.
Consider heat cables: Installed along roof edges and in gutters, heat cables create pathways for water to drain even when ice dams try to form. They're particularly useful for homes with chronic ice dam problems.
Choose a steep roof pitch: If you're building new or doing major renovations, steeper roof pitches (8:12 or greater) shed snow naturally and reduce ice dam risk significantly.
The Bottom Line on Roof Snow Removal
To answer Tom's original question: Most of the time, you don't need to remove snow from your roof after a typical Maine storm. Your roof was engineered to handle substantial snow loads, and rushing out after every snowfall is unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
But there are legitimate times when removal is necessary—when accumulation exceeds 2 feet, when you've had multiple storms without melting, when snow is heavy and wet, or when you're seeing structural warning signs. In those situations, removal is important.
The key is doing it safely. Stay off your roof. Use a proper roof rake from the ground. Focus on removing snow from the first few feet at the roof edge rather than trying to clear the entire roof. And know when the situation calls for professional help rather than DIY.
Your safety is more important than snow removal. Every winter, people are seriously injured or killed attempting to clear snow from roofs. If you're uncomfortable with the task, if conditions are extreme, or if you're seeing warning signs of structural stress, call professionals. The service cost is nothing compared to medical bills or roof repair costs from DIY mistakes.
Concerned about snow load on your roof or need professional snow removal? Maine Coast Roofing provides emergency snow removal services and can assess whether your roof needs immediate attention. We also offer preventive solutions like improved insulation and ventilation that reduce future snow concerns. Call us at (207) 200-1053 or contact us here for fast, professional help.
