Heavy snow loads, especially wet snow or snow soaked by rain, can stress a home's roof. Low-slope additions, porches, garages and carports are usually the first spots to worry about. A trained crew with the right safety gear can clear them without you climbing a ladder.
Signs it might be time
- Interior doors start sticking or cracks appear in drywall
- Creaking or popping sounds from the roof
- Visible sagging on porches or flat sections
- Ice dams forming along the eaves
- Water stains on ceilings after a thaw
Do it yourself?
A long-handled roof rake used from the ground is fine for a single-storey eave. Please don't climb onto a snowy roof. Falls from roofs during snow clearing are a real risk every winter.
Typical cost
Residential roofs typically run about $300 to $800 per clearing, depending on size, pitch and how much snow there is. See the full cost guide.
Common questions
Will clearing the roof damage my shingles?
Experienced crews leave a thin layer of snow on the roof so their tools don't touch the shingles.
Where does the snow go?
It comes down around the house. Tell the crew about decks, gas meters, vents, shrubs or anything else to protect.
Can you clear just the garage or porch?
Yes. Partial clearing of low-slope sections is common and usually costs less.