Should You Remove Snow From Your Roof? Here’s What You Need to Know

Winter storms make everything look calm and cozy, but all that snow sitting on your roof can raise a lot of questions.
Do you need to remove it? Is it dangerous to leave it? Is it dangerous to touch it?

The truth: most roofs can handle a normal amount of snow, but there are times when you should take action and times when you should absolutely not get on the roof yourself.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your home this winter.

1. When Snow Is Not a Problem

A typical Ohio roof can handle a surprising amount of weight.
So if you’ve got just a few inches or a light blanket of snow, no need to panic. It’ll melt on its own when we get a warmer day. Normal snowfall = usually no action needed.

2. When You Should Worry

Snow becomes a problem when it gets deep, heavy, or wet — especially after back-to-back storms.

Watch for:

• 12+ inches of heavy, wet snow

• Ice building along the edges (early signs of an ice dam)

• Noticeable sagging, especially near the middle of the roof

• Creaking sounds inside the house

• Doors suddenly sticking (pressure signs)

• Water spots or drips around ceilings or walls

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to get someone out to take a look.

3. What About Ice Dams?

Ice dams happen when snow melts, runs down the roof, and then refreezes along the edges.
This traps more melting snow behind it, and that water can start pushing under your shingles.

Signs of an ice dam:

• Big icicles forming

• Ice thick along the gutter line

• Water stains inside the house near exterior walls

Removing snow above the ice dam can help — but again, never climb on an icy roof.

4. Never Get on a Snowy Roof Yourself

Snow and ice make roofs extremely slippery, and falls are common and dangerous.
Even using the wrong tool can damage shingles.

If you really need to clear snow:

• Use a roof rake from the ground

• Only pull snow from the first 3–4 feet up

• Never scrape directly against the shingles

• If the snow is too deep to rake, call a professional

Staying off the roof is always the safest move.

5. The Bottom Line

Most of the time, your roof will be fine. But if you’re seeing heavy buildup, sagging, or signs of an ice dam, it’s better to get ahead of the problem before it turns into a leak.

If something doesn’t look right, I’m happy to check it out.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the winter season, preferably from the ground.

What to Look For on Your Roof When Hanging Christmas Lights

Hanging Christmas lights is a holiday tradition and also one of the only times you’re close enough to your roof to see what’s really going on up there. Before you climb back down the ladder, take a minute to check for a few things that might save you trouble later this winter.

Here are the top signs to look for while you’re putting up your lights:

1. Missing or Loose Shingles: If you can see any shingles lifting up, curling, cracked, or completely missing, that’s a red flag. Winter wind, snow, and ice will make that problem worse fast. A small repair now can prevent leaking inside your home later.

2. Sagging Spots: Your roofline should look straight and even. If anything looks dipped or wavy, that could be a sign of moisture damage, weakening roof decking, or too much weight from past snow/ice.

3. Granules in the Gutters: When you’re clipping lights to the gutter, take a peek inside.

If you see a lot of dark, sand-like grit, that means your shingles are wearing down. It’s common on older roofs, but it’s also a sign it might be time to plan for repairs or replacement.

4. Damaged or Rusted Flashing: Flashing is the metal around chimneys, vents, and edges.

If it’s bent, rusted, lifted, or missing screws, water has an easy path to get inside. Winter weather only makes flashing problems worse.

5. Clogged or Pulling Gutters: If your gutters are full of leaves or look like they’re pulling away from the house, fix that ASAP. When snow hits, clogged gutters turn into ice dams — and ice dams lead to leaks, damaged shingles, and interior water issues.

When in Doubt, Have It Checked

Hanging lights is supposed to be fun, not stressful but if you notice anything that doesn’t look right while you’re up there, it’s better to catch it now before winter storms roll in.

The Top 4 Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs Before Winter

Winter weather can be harsh on your roof, and small issues now can turn into major headaches later. Knowing the signs of roof damage can save you time, money, and stress. Here are four key warning signs that it’s time for a professional inspection:

1. Missing or Damaged Shingles: Shingles protect your roof from water and wind. If you notice any missing, cracked, or curling shingles, your roof is vulnerable to leaks — especially when snow and ice accumulate.

2. Leaks or Water Stains Inside Your Home: Water stains on ceilings or walls, or damp spots in your attic, are clear signs of a problem. Winter moisture can make small leaks worse, so it’s best to address them before the snow hits.

3. Sagging or Uneven Roof Areas: A sagging roof can indicate structural damage or water damage in the decking underneath. Don’t wait — this can become dangerous if left unchecked.

4. Gutters Full of Shingles or Debris: If you notice granules from shingles or broken pieces in your gutters, it’s a sign your roof is deteriorating. Proper maintenance and inspection can prevent further damage.

Don’t wait until winter weather exposes your roof’s weaknesses. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and make sure your home stays safe, warm, and dry.

3 Reasons to Get a Roof Inspection Before Winter

Winter in Northern Ohio can be harsh on your home. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn small roofing issues into big problems. Scheduling a roof inspection before winter is a smart move for any homeowner. Here are three key reasons to get your roof checked now:

1. Catch Small Problems Early: A few missing shingles or minor leaks may seem harmless in the fall, but snow and ice can make them worse quickly. A professional inspection helps identify these issues early, saving you money and stress down the road.

2. Prevent Ice Dams and Water Damage: Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home, melting snow on your roof and causing water to back up under shingles. This can lead to leaks, damaged insulation, and even structural problems. A pre-winter inspection ensures your roof is ready to handle ice and snow.

3.  Protect Home and Family: Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Making sure it’s in good shape before winter means you’re protecting your family, your belongings, and your home’s comfort during the cold months.

Don’t wait until the snow starts falling — a quick inspection now can save you headaches later.
Fill out this simple form to schedule a free roof inspection and keep your home safe and dry all winter long.