Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Riverbank, CA

Most roofs can take quite a bit of weight from snow, but their ability to handle heavy snow is not unlimited. Most roofs can handle about 20 pounds per cubic foot of fresh snow. Ice, ice dams, and other factors can contribute to dangerous roof weight. Newer roofs, sloped roofs, and those that have more support can hold more snow than older roofs, flat roofs, and roofs with widely spaced beams. To figure out how much snow your roof can hold, you will need to contact a professional roofing contractor to calculate the maximum snow load for your specific roof.

You may be wondering if you really need the snow removed from your roof. Since most roofs can only handle 20 pounds per square foot of snow accumulation, there is a tipping point when you are suddenly at risk of roof collapse. This can cause a lot of damage, not just to your home, but to your belongings, too. It also poses a physical danger to your family. Also, a lot of snow on a roof makes it more susceptible to ice dams, leaks, and water damage.

It’s possible to use a torch to melt ice on your garage door, but we don’t recommend it. It’s very easy to bring the flame too close to the door, which can melt the weather stripping or even the garage door itself. You’ll melt ice quickly with a torch, but the damage you’re likely to cause can end up costing you a few hundred dollars to fix, which isn’t worth it. Instead, we recommend pouring hot water over the frozen area or using a less intense heat source, like a hair dryer or space heater.

Yes—in fact, it’s an important step in how to start a snow blower. Allowing the engine to idle for a few minutes prior to using a snow blower helps it reach its optimal operating temperature, which gets the fuel running properly, improves its performance, and helps prevent stalling during frigid weather.