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Do I Need to Shovel Snow Off My Roof?

When winter hits Alberta hard and the snow starts to pile up, many homeowners wonder: Do I really need to shovel snow off my roof? The short answer? Sometimes, yes—but not always.

Removing snow from your roof can prevent costly damage, ice dams, and even collapse. But doing it wrong can also damage your shingles—or worse, lead to personal injury. Here’s how to know when it’s time to act and how to do it safely.

❄️ When Snow Becomes a Roofing Problem

Not all snow is dangerous. But too much weight or the wrong conditions can turn a beautiful winter scene into a roofing nightmare.

Watch out for:

Snow accumulation over 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), especially if wet and heavy
Ice dams forming at the roof’s edge
Leaks or water stains inside the house
Creaking sounds or sagging ceilings

Rule of thumb: If the snow is deep and dense—especially after a storm or thaw-freeze cycle—it’s worth removing.

🧊 Why Snow Removal Matters

1. Prevent Ice Dams

When heat escapes through the attic, it melts snow on the roof. The water then refreezes at the edges, creating ice dams that back up under shingles and into your home.

2. Protect Structural Integrity

Heavy snow adds significant weight. Wet snow can weigh 20–30 pounds per cubic foot, putting stress on roof trusses and framing—especially on older homes or flat/low-slope roofs.

3. Avoid Water Damage

Even without ice dams, melted snow can seep through roof vulnerabilities or around vents, chimneys, and skylights.

🏠 When You Don’t Need to Shovel

Not all snow needs to go. You may not need to shovel if:

Snow is dry, fluffy, and light
Your roof has a steep pitch and sheds snow naturally
Your attic is well-insulated and ventilated, preventing melting and refreezing
You’ve had less than 15 cm (6 in) of accumulation

Tip: Roofs are designed to hold a fair amount of snow—especially in Alberta where building codes account for snow loads. Don’t panic unless you see warning signs.

🧰 How to Safely Remove Roof Snow

NEVER climb onto an icy or snow-covered roof. Instead, use these safe methods:

✅ Use a Roof Rake

Use a telescoping roof rake with a non-damaging plastic blade
Stand on the ground and pull snow down toward you
Start with the roof edges to prevent ice dam formation
Leave a thin layer of snow behind to avoid damaging shingles

❌ Don’t:

Use metal tools that could scrape the shingles
Use salt or de-icers on asphalt shingles
Knock or jab at ice dams—this can damage your roof or gutters

🧑‍🔧 When to Call a Professional

Call a roofer or snow removal specialist if:

Your roof is high or steep
Ice dams have already formed
You notice leaks or attic frost
You’re not confident doing it yourself

Professionals have the equipment, experience, and insurance to handle it safely—without damaging your roof.

Final Thoughts

So, do you need to shovel snow off your roof? If the snow is deep, wet, or causing ice dams—yes. For light, fluffy snow or well-built roofs with good insulation, probably not.

Use common sense, watch for warning signs, and don’t risk your safety. Regular snow maintenance helps protect your roof, attic, and home from Alberta’s harsh winter weather—and can save you thousands in repairs come spring.