The following information has been taken from the University of Wisconsin
Extension’s Web site and gives some valuable guidelines
on removing snow from your building roofs.
If an owner suspects a snow loading is in excess of the design loading or if the roof is showing signs of
impending collapse such as buckled or broken members, plans to remove the snow should be implemented.
Heating air in an uninsulated building can help to melt snow/ice on contact with the roof surface allowing
snow/ice to slide from a sloped roof. Unvented heaters consume oxygen in the building and can contribute
carbon monoxide to the building space. Both conditions are poisonous to people and livestock. People and
animals should not be allowed in the building when using unvented heaters. Before starting an unvented
heater, make plans for turning off the heater from outside the building.
Snow slide from the building roof can cause crushing/suffocating injuries or death. Keep people and animals
away from the fall zone when snow/ice slides from the roof.
Roof snow can also be removed by shoveling. This is a dangerous process as falling from ladders and the
roof is a real possibility. Consider hiring experts who own boom trucks or other specialized equipment for
safely performing this task.
The following apply to removing snow from the roof:
?? Use a snow roof rake if at all possible. This allows you to stand on the ground in a safe place. Check
the local hardware store or building supply store. Removing snow from the edge of the roof could
allow snow above the edge to avalanche. Make sure you are out of the fall zone when scraping snow
from a smooth roof surface.
?? Use fall protection equipment when workers are on the roof. Tie workers off so they don’t fall from the
roof.
?? If ladders are used, locate and secure them so they do not fall while workers are standing on them.
Also, locate ladders so they do not fall if snow slides off the roof knocking workers off the ladder or
leaving them stranded on the roof.
?? Generally remove snow from the most heavily loaded areas first.
?? Remove snow in narrow strips instead of large areas to help loading somewhat uniform.
?? Don’t pile removed snow onto snow-covered areas increasing the load in those areas.
?? Use plastic shovels or wooden roof rakes to avoid damaging roofing material. Don’t feel as if all snow
must be removed. A layer of snow next to the roof surface can protect the surface from damage
during the snow removal process.
?? Do not pick or chip at ice near the roof surface to avoid damaging roofing material.
?? Do not use snow blowers as they can damage the roof.