It is crucial to understand which method of roof snow removal is necessary for your Spring Valley home if you want it to be safe and last for a long time. The climate here can bring a lot of heavy snow, but even a small accumulation can lead to some major problems if it's not dealt with. Snow can cause leaks, ice dams, and even structural damage. The first thing to consider is whether your roof type and slope can naturally shed snow or if you're going to need to do some mechanical removal. Some roofs, like those made of metal, shed snow easily. But other roofs, particularly those with a low pitch or a textured surface, hold on to the snow and need a more hands-on approach to ensure that the snow doesn't turn into a problem.
It is essential to choose the right equipment and techniques to keep roofs in good shape. Many homeowners successfully and simply remove light to moderate snow from their roofs using snow rakes. These are long-handled tools that enable the operator to stand at ground level and remove snow from the roof without stepping onto the roof. To avoid "pulling" on the roofing materials and risking damage to shingles or other roofing components, it's best to use the tool at a very shallow angle. The operator should stick to working with the leading edge of the snow that's closest to the eaves. Deeper snow or heavy, wet snow may be beyond the capabilities of the snow rake. In very hazardous situations, such as when an ice dam is causing water to back up under the roof, an electrically heated roof cable may be the only way to safely melt the ice. Hiring a snow removal service is another option for managing unsafe amounts of snow. Beyond that, the best way to ensure a problem-free winter is to keep the roof and gutters in good repair and to make sure that the roof has the proper shape to shed snow.
It's essential to take care of the immediate snow-removal needs of a roof, but there's something more important that homeowners can do: think proactively about roof maintenance. "It's a shame to have the snow melt on the roof, run down the sides of your house, and then freeze again," says Stanton. "You avoid that scenario by making sure the roof is in good shape for winter." This means attempting to catch any problems with the roof before they can become big ones, and it's hard to assess when snow is sitting on top of your roof. So the ideal time to take a long, hard look at your roof is right before winter. Homeowners can also do the opposite of what Stanton calls "the snow-melt scenario" and insulate adequately so no heat escapes from the house to warm the roof. "Also," he says, "if you've got a heated garage, make sure that's not too toasty. You can use that space without going crazy, and still keep it insulated to avoid melting snow on the roof above you."
