03/01/2026
While a snow-capped roof looks like a winter postcard, it can place thousands of pounds of stress on your home’s structure. At Get It Done Alaska, we want to ensure your home stays safe, dry, and structurally sound all winter long.
Here is everything you need to know about managing snow on your roof.
Why Snow Removal Matters
Snow weight isn't just about depth; it’s about density.
Structural Stress: A heavy snowfall followed by rain can double the weight on your rafters in hours.
Ice Dams: Snow acts as an insulator. Heat escaping from your home melts the bottom layer of snow, which then refreezes at the gutters, creating "dams" that force water under your shingles and into your walls.
Safety Hazards: Large "snow slides" from sloped roofs can damage landscaping, vehicles, or pose a risk to people walking below.
When Should You Be Concerned?
You don't necessarily need to clear your roof after every flurry. However, you should call a professional if you notice:
The "Rule of Thumb": More than 1 foot of heavy, wet snow or 2 feet of light, powdery snow.
Interior Warning Signs: New cracks in drywall, doors that suddenly stick or won't close, or unusual creaking sounds.
Ice Accumulation: Significant icicles forming behind the gutter line rather than on the edge.
Our Professional Process
We prioritize the longevity of your roof. Unlike DIY attempts that can cause more harm than good, our team uses specialized techniques:
Safe Perimeter Zones: We clear snow starting from the eaves and work upward to prevent "shingling" or sudden slides.
Protective Buffers: We never scrape the roof down to the shingles. We leave a thin "buffer" layer of snow (6 inches) to ensure our tools never make contact with and damage your roofing material.
Ice Dam Mitigation: If ice has already formed, we use low-pressure steam or specialized tools to safely remove it without the use of hammers or chemicals that can corrode your gutters.
⚠️ A Note on Safety: > Roof snow removal is extremely dangerous. Slips, falls, and "snow avalanches" occur frequently. We strongly advise against homeowners climbing ladders in icy conditions. Let our insured and equipped professionals handle the heights.
Schedule a Winter Assessment
Don't wait for a leak to find out your roof is overloaded. We offer seasonal monitoring and priority clearing for our residential clients.
Send us a message today!
