We’re no strangers to snow here in Brookline, receiving an average of 49 inches each year. Even still, it can be easy to convince yourself that you don’t really need to remove it from your roof. As your local experts in roof repair in Brookline, MA, we’re here to remind you that snow removal is critical for keeping your roof in good shape.
Continue reading to learn more about the importance of clearing snow off your roof, signs it’s time to remove the buildup, and why you should hire a professional for the job.
The Importance of Removing Snow From Your Roof
The simple fact of the matter is that snow is heavy. This extra weight can put too much pressure on your roof, eventually causing it to sag or collapse. However, even when the snow starts to melt, your home is still at risk.
Melted snow can leak into your home if your roof already has areas of vulnerability. Then, once the temperature gets below freezing again, the melted snow will refreeze, causing extra damage to shingles and other parts of your roof.
Another danger of leaving snow on your roof is the formation of ice dams, which happen when snow melts, slides down your roof, and refreezes, forming a thick line of ice at the edge of your roof. Ice dams are not only dangerous to your roof, but they can also damage your gutters causing them to wrap or even become detached from your roof.
By removing the snow from your roof proactively, you can help prevent all of these issues.
Signs It’s Time to Remove Built-Up Snow
Now that you know why you need to remove snow from your roof, the next step is to understand when to do it. As a good rule of thumb, plan to schedule snow removal services when:
- Getting a snowstorm of at least two feet. That amount of heavy wet snow and ice is often too much for your roof to handle.
- You have a low-pitch roof. Flat roofs are more vulnerable to snow accumulations and will need to be cleared more often than other types of roofs.
- You notice that ice dams have formed at the edge of your roof near your gutters.
- You hear scraping or creaking sounds on the walls or ceiling. It could be a sign that the weight of the snow is too heavy.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for the Job
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t head up to your roof just yet. Clearing the snow off the roof yourself can do more damage. The job requires certain removal tools that you likely don’t have on hand. Beyond that, climbing up onto a potentially slippery roof is incredibly dangerous.
Don’t put your safety at risk! Instead, leave snow removal to the professionals like our team here at GF Sprague.
Your Experts in Roof Repair in Brookline, MA
The best way to protect your home in the winter is to remove snow before it takes a toll on your roof. But, if you’ve already noticed signs of damage, we can help with that too. We’re proud to be the leading experts in roof repair in Brookline, MA and we’re here for you whenever you need us.
Contact us for snow removal help, repairs, or any other exterior services to get your house back in good shape.
