Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Glendale, OR

Yes, but it works best with lightweight snowblowers, the single-stage models or electric versions. Also, you need to have a rubberized intake edge on the ground and preferably rubberized auger paddles, not a metal version. Otherwise you may chip or damage the surface as you work. When it doubt, let the snow lie.

You can also use a snow blower on leveled gravel, but only if you carefully adjust the intake height so it doesn’t kick up the gravel and turn it into flying missiles.

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.

If you do end up with frozen gutters, it's important to thaw them correctly. Thawing your gutters slowly is far safer than trying to break apart the ice. Once you get through the ice, bring in a gutter professional to check out the effectiveness of your heated system.

While removing every snowflake from your roof is unnecessary, you should remove a significant buildup of snow. Since snow is wet and heavy, it can easily cause damage to your roof, which can lead to needing costly repairs. 

Additionally, when the snow melts but has nowhere to go and refreezes, it can create an ice dam, causing mold concerns due to water leaking into your attic and ceiling. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a snow removal professional to clear heavy snowfall from your roof as soon as possible.