There seems to be a lot of talk lately, and certainly media coverage, on roof collapses due to snow loads. I’ve been involved in many conversations these past few days asking me whether I feel folks should shovel off their roof or not.

The critical factor in determining whether you have an excessive snow load on your roof isn’t the depth of the snow; it’s the weight of that snow.

WARNING!

Performing ice dam and snow removal is risking severe personal injury and damage to yourself and the roof if not done properly.  Make sure if your using a ladder you follow the proper safety procedures. I use a ladder with an attached standoff, making sure the standoff touches the roof and is embedded above the ice, and into snow.  I also tie off the ladder when applicable or use an eye hook into the building.

Note - its BEST to use "fall Arrest" gear on any roof.

Once on the roof, I leave a 2-3 foot barrier of snow between me and along all of the roof edges. [see left side of photo] 

Once the center of the roof is clear of snow I remove the edge barrier, little by little, by staying behind it and working back toward the ladder.   This method ensures that the barrier is always between me and the roofs edge,  in case I slip.  I then finish shoveling from the ladder.