Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Pierre, SD

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.

You should check with your insurance provider, but generally, ice dam removal is not covered by insurance, as it’s considered a preventable issue. However, damage from ice dams may be covered by your policy, including roof collapses. In the case of leaks, your belongings may or may not be covered. If you can’t find specific information on ice dam removal in your policy, give the insurance company a call and find out.

Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: Does roof raking prevent ice dams? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.

The average cost of a snow removal service is around $85, but this depends heavily on the amount of snow, your location, and the seasonal demand. An annual snow removal contract will typically cost between $200 and $600 for the season. Keep in mind that single services are usually based on the amount of snow, with every six inches adding to your total. You can expect to pay between $40 and $200 in most cases or as high as $500 or more for excessive snowfall. In many cases, it’s more affordable to enter into an annual contract.