October and November
- Clean the gutters after the leaves are down, and check that downspouts run clear.
- Look at the roof from the ground with binoculars: missing shingles, lifted edges, loose flashing.
- Check the attic on a cold morning: frost on nails or wet spots mean warm air is getting up there.
- Trim branches hanging over the roof before snow and ice load them.
- Buy a roof rake with a long handle before the first storm, not during it.
During the big storms
After a heavy lake-effect dump, rake the bottom few feet of the roof from the ground. That's the snow that turns into ice dams. You don't need to clear the whole roof. Stay off ladders on icy days, keep rakes away from power lines, and don't stand under the edge while you pull.
Watch for these
| You see | It may mean | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Icicles over a foot long | Ice dam forming | Rake the edge; call if water appears inside |
| Ceiling stain near an outside wall | Water backing up under shingles | Call for removal and repair |
| Doors upstairs sticking, ceiling cracks | Possible heavy snow load | Call for an assessment |
| Sagging gutters | Ice weight on hangers | Re-hang in spring or sooner |
| Frost in the attic | Air leaks and poor ventilation | Plan an attic fix |
Snow load
Syracuse roofs are built to New York's snow-load requirements, and most handle a normal winter fine. Trouble comes with wet, heavy snow on top of older layers, or with flat and low-slope roofs where snow never slides. If you hear cracking, see sagging, or doors upstairs suddenly stick, get people out of those rooms and call.
Questions readers ask
Should I clear all the snow off my roof?
Usually not. Clearing the bottom few feet stops most ice dam trouble. Full clearing is for heavy loads on flat or weak roofs.
Is it safe to use a roof rake?
From the ground, with care. Keep it away from power lines and don't scrape down to the shingles.
Can you clear snow from my roof?
Yes, when a heavy load needs to come off, especially on flat roofs.
Keep reading: Ice dam guide · Ice dam repair · Gutters and ice guards