Spring melt makes DIY roof-clearing a risky manoeuvre

As the spring melt from this winter's record snowfall continues to wreak havoc on rooftops throughout southern Alberta, some homeowners might be tempted to take matters into their own hands.

But a Calgary roofer is cautioning against taking a DIY approach.  

According to Greg Garcia, president of Calgary Elite Roofing, some brave souls might be able to clear snow from rooftops at the beginning of the winter, before it piles up, but at this time of year the ice dams caused by freezing and thawing make getting up on your roof a dangerous endeavour.

"When you're already at a foot of ice damming by the eavestrough or (extending) three or four feet back, that becomes really dangerous because you are walking on the ice over the snow, so you don't know where you are walking," Garcia told the Calgary Eyeopener.

In addition to the danger posed to people, hacking away at the ice without proper knowledge can also cause damage to roofs.

"If you start hammering your ice dam, you'll damage your shingles, you'll damage your eavestrough and of course you'll void the warranty from the manufacturer and the workmanship warranty as well," Garcia said.

Most homes not at risk of collapse

While the weight of this winter's record snowfall has caused several roofs to collapse at sports arenas in the past few weeks, posing a threat to public safety, residential properties with sloped roofs typically aren't at risk, Garcia said.

Homeowners are more likely to see leaks caused by water getting trapped under the snow and seeping into walls or blocked intake or exhaust vents, which need to be cleared so the roof can "breathe."

"The airflow in the attic space is really important," Garcia said. "If your intakes or your vents are plugged on the top, your roof is actually suffocating and you get condensation dripping inside the house."

The good news is leaks caused by snowmelt and condensation are generally easily dealt with by a professional roofer, who should assess drywall inside the house, Garcia said.

He added that homeowners don't need to be too worried about mould at this time of year because they can count on Mother Nature to help homes dry out in the months ahead. 

"Typically, when you get a leak like that, everything will warm up and it will be fine," he said. 

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