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Generally, snow removal from a roof should occur once over six inches of snow accumulates, especially if you notice that ice dams have formed. Without ice dams, you can let the snow accumulation hit 12 inches before removing it. However, the amount of snow that is too much for your roof also depends on the sturdiness of your roof and the compactness of the snow. If your roof needs maintenance or has structural issues, it’s best not to let the snow accumulate too much for fear of collapsing.

In most cases, it’s worth it to pay for professional snow removal. You can shovel the snow yourself, but it’s very labor-intensive and puts you at risk of injury or illness by performing exhausting manual labor in slippery conditions. Paying a professional removes that risk and saves you time and energy. Depending on your agreement, you could wake up to a cleared driveway and a car that’s ready to drive rather than have to get up early to do the work yourself.

If you live in a cold climate with frequent heavy snowfall, investing in a snow blower may be worth the cost. Another thing to consider when factoring in cost is if you have physical limitations that make shoveling snow difficult or even dangerous. So, you may want to start shopping around for a snow blower if you have either or both of these scenarios.

In most cases, it is best to leave icicles on your roof and allow them to melt naturally. You should only remove them if they are heavy enough to cause damage to your home or pose a safety risk to people below. Attempting to remove icicles yourself can be dangerous, so if you are concerned about immediate damage, it is recommended to hire a professional. To prevent icicles from recurring, you should address the underlying cause, which is often poor insulation. Long-term solutions include improving your home's insulation or installing roof heating coils.