With snow storms coming right around the corner, the entire Rhode Island & New England community has to be conscious of the impact snow can have on your roof. Most roofs are designed to handle high levels of snow, but there’s always a possibility of structural damage. When snow starts to build up, it gets heavy and can have a major impact. We have seen that large & flat roofs are at a greater risk of this damage as well.

More often then not it’s safest to hire a professional but here are some Do & Don’t guidelines if you are to rid the snow yourself.

Do’s

• Purchase a snow rake if you have a pitched roof to remove snow off your roof.
• With your snow rake, always work from the sides & edge into the roof.
• If possible, it may be smartest to shave the snow on your roof down to 2-3 inches instead of removing everything. This will help reduce the damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
• If you are using any metal tools realize that it could conduce electricity if you make contact with a power line and a metal tool will also do more damage to a roof.
• If you are removing snow from a flat roof, be sure to shovel the snow over the side and away from the building
• During the entire process, keep your gutters, drains & downspouts free of any ice and snow.

Don’ts

• Unless approved by a professional, avoid adding your weight or the weight of equipment onto the roof.
• Don’t use ladder since ice can build up on the steps of the ladder and on the bottom of your shoes.
• Don’t use open flame devices or electrical heating devices to remove snow and ice from your roof.

Snow roof removal is a serious and dangerous matter. The structural integrity of your home matters but unless you have experience and know what you’re doing, it can be quite dangerous. Rhode Island Slate Roofing has been working with businesses and families across Rhode Island clearing snow for them. If the time comes and you are hit with a big storm look no further then us.

For more information, please feel free to give us a call at 401-225-2003 or fill out an online contact form.