In Calgary’s long and snowy winters, heavy snow accumulation can pose serious risks to your roof. Excessive snow can strain your roof’s structure, block ventilation, and lead to problems like ice dams and leaks.

If left unaddressed, these issues can cause significant damage, resulting in costly repairs and even potential roof failure. That’s why knowing when to remove snow from your roof is crucial for protecting your home.

By removing snow at the right time, you can prevent structural damage, maintain proper ventilation, and keep your roof in good condition throughout the winter months. AKRoN Roofing provides expert rooftop snow removal services designed to keep your roof safe and secure, no matter how harsh the weather gets.

In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how to identify when it’s time to remove snow from your roof and why professional snow removal is the best way to protect your home.

Signs It’s Time To Remove Snow from Your Roof

Knowing when to remove snow from your roof is key to preventing damage and maintaining its structural integrity. While a dusting of snow is generally harmless, prolonged accumulation or certain warning signs can indicate that immediate action is needed.

Here are some key indicators that it’s time to clear snow from your roof to avoid potential hazards.

Excessive Snow Accumulation

Heavy snow loads can place an immense strain on your roof, potentially leading to serious problems like sagging, cracks, or even a complete roof collapse. The extra weight of snow, especially when it becomes wet and dense, can exceed your roof’s load-bearing capacity.

A general rule of thumb is to remove snow when it reaches a depth of 12 inches or more. If you wait too long, the stress on your roof can result in costly damage that could have been easily avoided.

To prevent this, it’s important to regularly check the snow depth on your roof throughout the winter season. Monitoring accumulation and removing snow at the right time will ensure your roof remains structurally sound and safe from excessive strain.

Ice Dams Starting To Form

The formation of ice dams is a clear sign that snow removal is overdue. Ice dams occur when the snow on your roof melts due to rising attic heat, but then refreezes near the edges of your roof.

These ice barriers prevent proper water drainage, causing water to back up and seep into your roofing materials. This often leads to leaks and potential water damage inside your home, affecting insulation, ceilings, and even walls.

If you notice ice buildup along the edges of your roof or icicles hanging from your gutters, it’s time to act. By removing snow early and installing de-icing cables if necessary, you can prevent ice dams from forming and protect your roof from long-term damage.

Blocked Roof Vents Or Skylights

Snow can easily cover essential roof features like vents and skylights, disrupting airflow and reducing proper ventilation. When vents are blocked, it can lead to attic condensation, which creates an ideal environment for mould growth and wood rot.

Worse, blocked exhaust vents can also lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside the home if gas appliances are unable to ventilate properly.

Skylights blocked by snow also affect indoor lighting and can lead to trapped moisture, which may cause condensation or leaks around the skylight frame.

Keeping these areas clear of snow is essential for maintaining your home’s air quality, ventilation, and overall roof health. If you notice vents or skylights being obstructed by snow, it’s a clear signal to schedule a snow removal service.

How Too Much Snow Can Threaten Your Roof

When snow builds up on your roof, it can do more than just block your view of the sky—it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Let us talk about how too much snow poses a risk to your roof’s integrity and why timely removal is critical.

Structural Strain And Roof Collapse

Allowing too much snow to accumulate on your roof can cause serious structural damage. As snow builds up, its weight increases, putting immense pressure on your roof. This strain is especially dangerous for older roofs or those with low slopes, which are more susceptible to snow load.

Statistics show that just one cubic foot of wet snow can weigh as much as 20 pounds, meaning several feet of accumulation can add tens of thousands of pounds of pressure to your roof.

In extreme cases, this can lead to sagging, cracking, or even roof collapse. Early snow removal is key to reducing this risk, preventing costly repairs or, worse, total roof failure.

Leaks And Water Damage

Excessive snow can also lead to leaks and water damage. The weight of the snow compresses your roofing materials, forcing water into small cracks, seams, and vulnerable areas.

Once this moisture seeps into your home, it can cause long-term damage to insulation, walls, ceilings, and electrical systems. Over time, this can result in costly repairs and mould growth, which further harms your home’s structure.

Timely snow removal prevents this moisture buildup, protecting your home from water damage that could impact its longevity and structural integrity.

AKRoN Roofing’s Expert Snow Removal Guidelines

Removing snow from your roof requires more than just a shovel and some time. Proper technique is crucial to ensuring your roof remains undamaged while the snow is safely cleared away.

Safe And Effective Snow Removal

We use advanced techniques and tools designed specifically for safe and effective snow removal. Removing snow from a roof can be hazardous without the right approach, which is why our trained professionals follow a detailed process to protect both the roof and the people involved.

1. Remove Snow in Sections:
   Clearing snow gradually, in sections, ensures that the roof’s load is reduced evenly, avoiding sudden strain that could weaken the structure.
2. Use Proper Equipment:
   We use soft, non-abrasive tools, like roof rakes and specialized snow removal gear, to prevent damage to shingles, tiles, or membranes.
3. Clear Ice and Vents:
   Snow removal goes beyond just clearing the roof’s surface. We carefully remove snow around vents, chimneys, and skylights to maintain ventilation and prevent attic condensation or blockages.
4. De-icing Services:
   When necessary, we offer de-icing solutions, such as installing cables to prevent ice dams and ensure proper water drainage.
5. Roof Inspection During Removal:
   While clearing the snow, our team also performs a visual inspection of the roof to identify any potential issues, like cracked shingles or compromised seams, that could lead to future damage.

With AKRoN Roofing, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their snow removal will be done safely and effectively, without compromising the integrity of their roof.

Frequency Of Snow Removal

Knowing how often to remove snow from your roof depends on several factors, including weather conditions, roof type, and the amount of snow accumulation. Here are some specific guidelines to ensure your roof remains protected:

1. Accumulation Threshold:
   If 12 inches (1 foot) or more of snow has built up on your roof, it’s time to schedule snow removal. Wet or heavy snow weighs more, and even smaller amounts may require removal to prevent strain on your roof.
2. Monitor After Heavy Snowfalls:
   After a snowstorm, check your roof to assess snow buildup. If snow drifts have formed or ice dams are starting to appear, it’s best to act quickly and call a professional.
3. Plan for Multiple Removals During Severe Winters:
   In harsh winters, scheduling two to three snow removal sessions per season is advisable, especially if your roof is flat or low-sloped. Frequent removal prevents excessive snow buildup and minimizes the risk of roof damage.
4. Account for Roof Type and Slope:
   Steeper roofs may shed snow naturally, but flat or low-sloped roofs require more attention, as they retain more snow. These roofs benefit most from regular removal to prevent pooling and structural strain.
5. Track Weather Changes:
   Pay attention to freeze-thaw cycles, as melting snow that refreezes can create ice dams. Having AKRoN Roofing on call for snow and ice management ensures you stay ahead of these issues.

By following these guidelines, homeowners can ensure their roofs remain safe throughout winter. Regular snow removal reduces the likelihood of costly repairs and extends the lifespan of the roof. For added peace of mind, AKRoN Roofing offers customized snow removal schedules tailored to the specific needs of each roof.

Don’t wait until snow buildup becomes a problem. Contact AKRoN Roofing today to schedule your professional snow removal service. With our expert team, you can rest assured that your roof will be safe, secure, and protected from the dangers of Calgary’s harsh winters.