How to Safely Remove Snow from a Damaged Roof (Before Water Damage Wrecks Your Home)
Michigan winters are brutal. One day, your roof is fine; the next, it’s buried under a heavy blanket of snow, and suddenly, you’re dealing with leaks, ice dams, or even structural damage. If your roof is already compromised with issues like missing shingles, sagging from age, or recovering from past storm damage, you can’t afford to let snow pile up.
Clearing it safely is key. Done wrong, you’ll make things worse—tearing up shingles, causing more leaks, or even hurting yourself. Here’s how to get rid of that heavy snow without wrecking your roof (or landing yourself in the ER).
Step 1: Check Your Roof Before Doing Anything
First things first: assess the situation from the ground. If your roof is damaged, standing on it (or even near it) is risky business. Look for these warning signs:
Sagging areas: That’s a sign your roof is struggling under the weight.
Ceiling leaks or water stains: If you’ve got water damage inside, snowmelt is already seeping through.
Ice dams forming at the edges: These are frozen ridges that trap melting snow, forcing water under your shingles.
Missing or cracked shingles: If your roof is exposed, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
See any of these? Don’t go up there. Snow removal won’t fix structural damage. Call a restoration pro before things get worse.
Step 2: Use a Roof Rake (Not a Shovel, and Definitely Not a Ladder)
If your roof isn’t on the verge of collapse, the safest way to remove snow is with a roof rake, which is a long-handled tool that lets you pull snow down while staying on solid ground.
Roof Raking 101:
Start from the edges and work your way up. This helps prevent ice dams.
Use a plastic rake. Metal rakes can scrape up shingles.
Don’t try to clear everything. Leave a thin layer behind to protect roofing materials.
What NOT to do:
Don’t climb a ladder. Ice and ladders don’t mix. It’s not worth the risk.
Don’t chip at the ice. This can actually damage the roof more.
Don’t ignore falling snow. Stand to the side as you rake to avoid getting buried.
Step 3: Handling Heavy, Packed Snow
If your roof has wet, compacted snow, you’ll need extra caution. Trying to remove too much at once can actually cause more damage. Instead:
Work in sections: Lighten the load gradually instead of all at once.
Use a push broom: A gentle approach beats hacking away with a shovel.
Be careful where the snow lands: The last thing you want is all that weight smashing down on your porch or blocking your vents.
Already seeing leaks inside? That’s your cue to stop and call in a restoration company before things spiral.
Step 4: Ice Dams – The Hidden Menace
Ever noticed thick bands of ice forming at the edges of a roof? That’s an ice dam, and it’s one of winter’s biggest roofing nightmares. Ice dams trap melting snow, forcing water under your shingles and into your home and causing water damage.
How to Handle Ice Dams:
Use calcium chloride, not rock salt. It melts ice without ruining your shingles.
Keep attic temperatures consistent. A too-warm attic leads to uneven snowmelt and refreezing.
Don’t try to chip away at ice. You’ll likely damage the roof instead.
Step 5: Know When to Call a Restoration Company
At some point, DIY isn’t going to cut it. If you’ve got active leaks, sagging ceilings, or mold creeping in, it’s time for emergency restoration. The faster you act, the less expensive the damage will be to fix.
A Restoration Pro Can Help With:
Emergency roof tarping to stop the damage from getting worse.
Water removal & drying to prevent mold and structural issues.
Ice dam removal & prevention to stop the problem at the source.
Insurance claim support because dealing with insurance is the last thing you want to stress over.
Waiting won’t make things better. It’ll just make them more expensive. If you’re dealing with roof leaks, ice damage, or water damage, Adam’s Complete Cleaning and Restoration is ready to help.
Final Thoughts: Snow Removal is Just the First Step
Clearing snow helps, but if your roof is already compromised, it’s only buying you time. Once the snow is gone, schedule an inspection—because the last thing you need is a hidden leak turning into a full-blown water damage disaster.
And if things have already gone sideways, Adam’s Complete Cleaning and Restoration has your back. From emergency water extraction to full-scale restoration, we’ll get your home back in shape before the next storm rolls in.
Call us for 24/7 emergency restoration services!