Like most homeowners, you’re probably open to any tips that help prevent the cost and stress of roofing repair. If you live in the Greater Cincinnati area, one of the best preventative measures you can take is snow removal in the winter. Here, the experts at Ray St. Clair Roofing offer five useful tips for ensuring your roof is clear.

5 Snow Removal Tips for Your Roof

1. Don’t Wait Until It Gets Out of Hand

Too much snow buildup can strain on your roof and lead to structural damage such as leaks and cave-ins. This is especially true with wet snow, which is far denser and heavier than dry, powdery snow. Ice can build up around the edges of your roof on eaves and in gutters, preventing melted runoff from draining and creating small puddles. Once a foot of snow has fallen, make an effort to clear some away. After all, a roof replacement is the last home improvement you want to deal with after a long winter.

2. Use the Appropriate Tools

Going up on a roof yourself is risky, but if you do choose to do it, use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one to avoid damaging your shingles. Ideally, you should use a roof rake with a long handle to dislodge snow. This tactic is less effective for multi-story homes, but it will still allow you to remove the snow most likely to form ice dams. If you have skylights, use caution during this step.

3. Don’t Use a Ladder

Standing on a snowy and icy roof isn’t recommended, but if you choose to, don’t use a ladder. The risk of slipping and falling is too high. If you can access your roof from the inside of your home, you’ll be much safer.

4. Remove Only as Much as You Need To

You don’t need to clear every square inch of snow off of your roof, just enough to take the pressure off and keep ice from building up. In fact, too much scraping can cause more problems than it solves.

5. Call the Professionals

Snow removal isn’t an easy task, and the added danger of a high and slippery location makes it worse. Don’t be afraid to enlist professional help—it’s far less expensive than medical bills!

The contractors at Ray St. Clair Roofing are here to help with all of your roofing repair and installation needs. With over 60 years in the business, they know how to get the job done quickly, expertly, and affordably. Reach out to their staff at (513) 874-1234 for assistance. You can also learn more about their residential roofing services on their website.