Roof Snow Removal in Minnesota
Every foot of snow on your roof is next week's ice dam. We take the load off the right way, so the roof can drain when it warms up.
Why snow on the roof turns into ice
An ice dam needs two things: heat from the house and snow on the roof. You can't always fix the heat in the middle of winter. You can get the snow off.
When the lower few feet of roof are clear, meltwater from higher up has a dry edge to run off instead of a frozen wall to pile up behind.
When to call
Most homes don't need the whole roof cleared after every storm. These are the times it pays to have it done.
- After a big storm, before the next warm stretch
- When snow is drifting deep on one side or in valleys
- When you already see icicles forming at the gutters
- On low-slope roofs, porches and additions that hold snow
- On roofs you can't reach safely with a roof rake from the ground
How we do it without damaging the roof
We leave a thin layer of snow on the shingles. Scraping down to bare shingle is how granules and tabs get torn off. Shovels and rakes stay plastic-edged and we work from ladders and safe footing, not by sliding around a frozen roof.
Snow comes off away from walkways, doors, shrubs and vents. When we're done, gutters and downspouts are checked so the next melt has somewhere to go.
Roof snow removal and ice dams together
If a dam has already formed, clearing snow alone won't open it up. We often do both in one visit: steam the dam off the eave, then clear the lower roof so it doesn't build right back.
The visit, step by step.
Controlled heat, low pressure, and the water stops first.
Check the roof
We look at snow depth, drifting, roof pitch and anything that's already icing at the eaves.
Plan the drop zone
We pick where snow comes down so doors, walks, vents and landscaping stay clear.
Clear the load
The lower roof and problem areas get cleared, leaving a thin layer to protect the shingles.
Open the edges
Gutters, downspouts and valleys are checked and cleared so meltwater can drain.
Tidy up
Snow is moved off walks and entries, and you get a quick note on anything we saw.
Do you clear the whole roof?
Usually not. The lower roof near the eaves matters most for ice dams. We'll clear more if snow load or drifting calls for it.
Can I just use a roof rake myself?
For a single-story roof you can reach from the ground, a roof rake helps. Ladders on icy ground and climbing onto a snowy roof are where people get hurt. That's where we come in.
Will you damage the shingles?
We leave a thin layer of snow on the roof and never scrape to bare shingle. That's the step that protects the roof surface.
How often should roof snow be removed?
It depends on the winter. After big storms and before warm spells are the usual times. If you're seeing icicles, it's time.
Do you remove snow from flat roofs?
Yes. Low-slope and flat roofs on homes, garages and commercial buildings are a big part of what we clear.
Often done in the same visit.
Get ahead of roof ice.
Schedule ice dam removal, or call now if water is coming into your home. Don't climb onto an icy roof. Keep clear of falling ice and let a pro take it from here.