Minneapolis Roof Snow Removal

Dean Bjorkstrand Landscaping has provided superior roof snow removal services in the Twin Cities since 1983.

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams. An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof. They usually form at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Protect your home from the hazards of ice dams and improper roof snow removal methods. Properly removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you don’t know how. Let Dean Bjorkstrand Landscaping provide this service for you. We pride ourselves on our quick response and quality service.

Winter brings with it a gloomy atmosphere. It also poses potential damage to your home. This is especially true if you are living in a state where heavy snow is common and where simple rooftop snow easily turns to ice dams. While it might seem that icicles forming on your gutter and snow piling up on your rooftop are harmless, the opposite is actually true.

If you are not cautious when it comes to your rooftop and simply ignore the importance of roof snow removal, you might start encountering the following problems:

• Ice dam – the more snow piles on, the higher the chances of it melting and reforming into an ice dam. An ice dam in itself does not pose a threat. However, the water that it prohibits from leaking usually ends up leaking through the house’s insulation, ceiling, and walls, weakening the said areas and contributing to their destruction.
• Collapsed roof – your roof can only hold so much. Once it exceeds its limit, you can guarantee that it will crack and possibly break—an end result you surely do not want to experience. This can only be prevented by going with roof snow removal.
• Additional expenses – of course, once water leaks into your home and your roof started collapsing, you can guarantee that additional expenses is soon to come your way. If you want to avoid paying for these additional unwanted expenses, then you must opt for roof snow removal instead of simply brushing the problem aside.

HOW MUCH SNOW CAN YOUR ROOF HANDLE?

The answer to this question depends less on the amount, and more on the design. There are also outward signs that your roof may be at risk of collapse. Understanding the structure is key in determining how much snow accumulation may be damaging to your home.

A roof is an assembly of support beams, rafters, and other structural components. It is topped off with a material covering the top of your home. The amount and spacing of your structural support will determine how much additional weight your roof will withstand. The slope, the material it is constructed from, and even the density of the snow all impact your home differently.

Heavy Snow Regions

If you live in an area that experiences higher than average snowfall, the best option for your situation would be something that is both steep and smooth. This will encourage snow to slide off rather than accumulate rapidly. You will also want your support beams close together to increase the strength of your roof.

The worst type of roof to have in case of a snow storm is something that is totally flat, or only marginally sloped. Some homes may have a steep main room, but flat roofing below. This will increase your risk of collapse as snow slides from the roof above, accumulating on the vulnerable flat roof underneath. Other risk factors would be wide spaces between your rafters. This will reduce the overall structural integrity of your roof.

The condition of the roof can be a risk factor regardless of the design. Even if you have a steep roof, if your support beams have been cracked by age, bent or seem to be infested with mold or termites, your roof could be in danger in a snowstorm. Assess the state of your roof before winter to make sure everything is structurally sound. Even if your roof appears to be in good shape, when the weather clears, it is always a good idea to use a roof rake to clear heavy patches of snow from the top of your home.

INERTIA, SHORT DURATION, AND REDUCED TRIBUTARIES

• Most roofs are able to withstand winter snow due to three main principles: inertia, short duration, and reduced tributary areas.
• Tributary areas. Roofs are designed so that any snow that collects is focused toward the strongest portions of the roof.
• Duration. Your roof would be at much higher risk if it had to bear the weight of snow all season long. Unfortunately, this is often the case in Minnesota.
• Inertia. Your local building code usually ensures that your rafters are spaced close enough that they are able to handle high amounts of weight without bending, which is referred to as inertia. As long as your home is up to the code in your town, you should be fine.

WHY RELY ON ROOFTOP SNOW REMOVAL PROFESSIONALS?

When it comes to roof snow removal, you will basically have two options: remove the snow yourself or hire professionals to do the job for you. For those who are thinking of the costs, the first rooftop snow removal option will probably sound more convenient and favorable. However, for those who think of real results without any risks of physical injury, the second option is the better choice.

You see, sometimes, cheap costs do not offer the reliable and secure results that we want to gain. Without much experience, rooftop snow removal will even prove to be a difficult and highly dangerous task. If you do not want to risk your and your family’s safety, then it is best to hire professionals instead. If you are still not convinced, then the following quick rundown might help change your mind:

• Price – as earlier noted, it might seem that it is cheaper or more affordable to work on rooftop snow removal yourself. However, without enough experience, you might end up damaging your rooftop further instead of fixing it.
• Tools – simple tools such as shovels and roof rakes are used. Using these tools on your roof correctly is key. Without knowing how to use these simple tools correctly, roof damage will occur. Dean Bjorkstrand and his crews are experienced and knowledgeable using shovels and roof rakes correctly.
• Process – there is a right method of rooftop snow removal, and there is a wrong one. Climbing the roof and manually removing the snow is the right way; professionals like Dean Bjorkstrand Landscaping knows this, and that is why they follow an effective process that will rid both snow and ice that have formed on your rooftop and gutter.

Roof snow removal need not be a hassle. Contact Dean Bjorkstrand and you will find that it can be done quickly and without spending too much money.