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    When to Remove Snow From Your Roof (And When It's Fine to Wait)

    November 14, 20245 min read

    After a big snowstorm, the question comes up: should I clear my roof? The answer depends on several factors.

    Understanding Snow Load

    Not all snow weighs the same:

  1. Fresh powder: ~3 lbs per square foot per foot of depth
  2. Packed snow: ~15 lbs per square foot per foot of depth
  3. Ice: ~57 lbs per square foot per foot of depth

    4. Most residential roofs are designed to handle 30–40 lbs per square foot. That translates to roughly 3–4 feet of fresh snow — but only 6–8 inches of ice.

    When to Be Concerned

  4. Accumulation exceeds 2 feet of heavy, wet snow
  5. Multiple storms without thawing — layers compress and add weight
  6. Rain on top of snow — dramatically increases weight
  7. Visible sagging in the roofline
  8. Interior doors sticking or drywall cracking (signs of structural stress)
  9. Creaking sounds from the roof structure

    10. When You Can Wait

  10. Light, fluffy snow under 2 feet on a modern, well-built roof
  11. Snow that's actively melting and running off
  12. Your roof has adequate pitch for natural shedding

    13. Safe Removal Methods

  13. Roof rake from the ground — the safest DIY option for single-story homes
  14. Professional removal — recommended for multi-story homes, steep roofs, or heavy loads
  15. Never use a shovel on your roof — you'll damage shingles and risk falling

    16. Important Safety Note

    Every year, people are injured or killed falling from roofs during snow removal. If you can't safely reach with a ground-level roof rake, call a professional.

    Peak Exteriors offers emergency snow removal services. Call (401) 300-0323.

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