Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Hooper Bay, AK

Snowblowers come in three different sizes: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.

A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that’s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.

A common mistake is you can let snow melt naturally in a window well. However, snow buildup in the well can damage your window frames and walls. The melting snow also poses risks of water damage as it may leak through into the basement. It’s important to shovel snow out of your window wells before too much snow is piled in there.

How much snow can a roof hold? The answer could help you to avoid roof collapse—a worst-case scenario, of course. For most roofs, you can expect it to withstand four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or two to three feet of a mix of old and new snow. However, your roof will only be able to handle one inch of ice. The actual weight capacity of your roof may vary, so check with whoever built it for exact details.

While it is possible to remove snow from your roof without a professional, we don’t recommend it. Accessing your roof can be a dangerous task; pair that with slippery ice and snow that can be heavy to move, and you have a very risky problem on your hands. This dangerous situation becomes more high-risk when there’s a snowstorm or your roof has a steep pitch. To ensure that everyone stays safe, be sure to call a roof snow removal specialist to complete this job with the proper tools and equipment.