Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Hamlin, WV

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.

If you’re looking at how to remove snow from solar panels, heat from the sun usually melts the snow within a few days. However, snow removal might be necessary for winter solar power production in areas with deep snow during the winter. There are brushes with telescoping handles and gentle heads to brush away snow. It’s best to stay on the ground if possible and avoid using tools that could scratch the surface of the solar panels, like a snow shovel or broom.

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.

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.