Should i shovel snow off roof

This is relatively easy for him because his home is built into a hillside and he can walk on his roof without the use of a ladder. I believe the answer is NO!!! The risk he runs of compromising his roof which is a year-old EPDM membrane looks like the material from an inner tube tire.

EPDM is a single ply system and just the act of walking on it with heavy boots that might have rocks or gravel sticking to the bottom is a bad idea, but then to take a shovel and run the additional risk of puncturing the EPDM with it is a risk I would never be willing to take.

This is the original roof on his home in the mountains and the roof structure was designed to take the added weight of almost any snow storm the home will ever see. Why then does he think this is a good idea? He will cite stories on the news about the collapse of the roof on the Metrodome that moved the Vikings football game to a new night and a new venue. In there were several roofs which collapsed in Denver, CO due to very wet and heavy snows.

Every year around various parts of the country you will hear stories of roofs that have collapsed due to the heavy weight of snow. These are usually older buildings built before the current code enforcement, or new buildings in a vulnerable stage of construction. It is more likely to occur on low slope roofs but any roof not properly designed is vulnerable.

I can understand the concern if you are getting an extreme amount of record snowfall. Building codes are based on average snowfall and take into consideration the possibility of heavier amounts, but not for EXTREME record snowfalls. I lived 20 years in Central Oregon before I saw enough snow to collapse roofs.

But the snow load did. Your point about excess snow and how it can weaken a roof was definitely helpful to read. If you do outdoor activities, like hunting, fishing, camping, or diving, you will get enough dings and sore muscles. Falling off a roof or ladder is an unnecessary risk. Also, I really enjoy reading your articles! I have climbed my one-story roof and shoveled it in various spots. After, the kids and I would jump from the roof to the burm it created!

Of course, I would not do it unless it was safe! Use your head! Should you remove the snow off your roof? Home Videos Should you remove the snow off your roof? Share on Facebook Share. Share on Twitter Tweet. Share on Pinterest Share. Share on LinkedIn Share. Send email Mail. Newer roofs can often take up to 60lbs of snow load.

Check with your local snow removal expert for more details. You can, of course, but do a bit of research to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and roof protection is thought through. Year after year, we hear of preventable accidents that happen because of snow roof removal. When in doubt, hire an expert to do the work for you — click on the button below for some local resources. Your email address will not be published.