I am getting conflicting advise on removing snow from the roof of my house. Some have told me that the snow creates too much pressure for the roof and must be removed. This sounds reasonable because in Minnesota we can acumulate up to 3 feet of snow on the roofs over the winter. Others have told me that removing the snow also removes a layer of insulation that the snow creates by being there. This also sound plausible and I would hate to have to spend more dough heating this place cause its expensive!!
What do you think leave it or start shoveling?
2007-12-11 10:50:57 · 12 answers · asked by trey6z 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Both I will try to explain.
Snow up to a point is good for your heat bill as it does add a insulating factor but there can be a point where there is to much snow. How much is to much, pay attention to other peoples roofs that are around yours if some start taking snow done maybe its time for yo to do the same. Also the almost all roofs in MN have been built with a snow load factor in, to support the extra weight. If the snow gets to be more than 2' thick over the entire roof I would consider removing some of it. Hope this helps my fellow Minnesotan.
2007-12-11 11:03:17 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew79b 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Snow Remover For Roof
2016-10-22 02:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Maine and have experience with snow on roofs. Like others have said your roof should be designed to handle the weight of snow. By itself snow is not a problem. Problems can occur if it rains when there is a lot of snow on the roof. The snow absorbs the water and gets a lot heavier. You can buy a roof rake and pull down the snow near the eaves. That will usually be enough to let water run off the roof. I do that when rain is forecast but not any other times. Other things to look for are ice building up at the edges of the roof. That can cause shingles to lift. It is usually caused by heat escaping through poorly insulated areas or an improperly vented roof. One other thing to look for is signs of the roof sagging. If there is a lot of snow on the roof, go into the attic and see if the roof is sagging. If it is, time to get some weight off it.
2007-12-11 11:23:04 · answer #3 · answered by winterrules 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Live in NY & there are times when it is a good idea to remove heavy snow from the roof to prevent collapse.
Got to be worse in Minnesota.
A well insulated roof will hold plenty of snow.
The extra snow might help you hold onto some heat & looks nice.... but ,not when its inside with you.
I'd start to think about it seriously w/ 3 feet on the roof, even light stuff
Never know when you could get more.
Best regards
2007-12-12 13:55:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would all depend on the intergrity of you roof. I live in New Brunswick, Canada and we just got a 20 inch dump of snow. Our old roof we are having replaced next year will not stand a lot so, I remove whatever I can. However if it was good and solid, I would leave it there as snow will insulate your home and also provides a good insulation.
2007-12-11 11:33:11 · answer #5 · answered by henryswtzr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here in Michigan some buildings cave in from heavy snow every winter, I alway shovel mine off if it gets more than 2 ft deep. Rain will soak into the snow and add tons. Do be careful. I have found that if I slide off the roof, I land in a pile of snow and don't get hurt. Be careful. Don't damage shingles.
2007-12-11 11:56:43 · answer #6 · answered by morris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a "snow rake" at most stores in Minnesota, they make them so, it makes since to removed the snow early so you don't have it in the house with you.
I lived on the Minn/Cana border for 30 years and shoveled my roof every year.
2007-12-11 23:14:10 · answer #7 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Snow accumulation can definitely be a problem, but the engineering codes vary from state to state. Being in Minnesota, I'd imagine it's considered in the code. As far as the insulation, that's true, but but again, if built to code, you're insulated all ready.
2007-12-11 11:11:01 · answer #8 · answered by daffyduct2006 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heavy snow may have to be removed from a roof to keep it from collapsing.
The remover of the snow is also a good candidate for a trip to the emergency room.
Be careful if you decide you need to do this.
2007-12-11 10:54:44 · answer #9 · answered by Dan H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Remove the snow, as soon as humanly possible. The risk of an expensive and dangerous roof collapse should outweigh the dubious benefits of 'extra insulation'.
2007-12-11 10:55:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋