When Snow on the Roof Becomes Dangerous
The roof structure is designed to withstand a certain snow load — in Latvia the normative figure is usually 120–180 kg/m². Fresh, loose snow weighs approximately 70–100 kg/m³, meaning a 30 cm layer creates a load of 21–30 kg/m² — still within limits. But after a thaw-and-freeze cycle, wet snow or ice can reach 300–600 kg/m³. This means a 20 cm layer of icy covering already has a load of 60–120 kg/m² — nearly at the normative limit, and above that there is only the safety margin.
Particularly risky when one or more large snowfalls occur back-to-back without a thaw between them, or when the roof pitch is small (5–15°), so snow does not slide off naturally. For flat roofs on apartment buildings, the winter period is cumulative — each snowfall adds a new layer on top of the previous frozen one.
Warning: If the roof begins to make cracking sounds, doors or windows become hard to open or close, or new cracks appear in walls — this may indicate structural deformation of the roof under snow load. Call specialists immediately and evacuate the premises.
What Are Ice Dams and Why Do They Cause Leaks
Ice dams are one of the most common causes of winter leaks in Latvia, and many homeowners do not know what causes them. The process works like this:
- Heat loss from indoors: The roof insulation is not perfect — indoor heat warms the roof boards or covering from below.
- Melting in the middle: Snow on the warmer roof surface melts and water flows towards the roof edges.
- Freezing at the edges: The roof edge is colder (no indoor heat from below). Water freezes at the roof edge and forms an ice dam ridge.
- Water build-up: Behind the ice dam, liquid water accumulates seeking a path under the roof covering — especially dangerous with tiles and metal roofs with a low pitch.
The solution is two-part: for the acute problem — mechanical ice dam removal or use of a heating cable; long-term — improving roof insulation.
Risks of Unprofessional Snow Removal
Covering Damage
A sharp shovel, metal or iron tool scratches the bitumen membrane or scrapes the clay glaze off tiles. Each grooved damage is a potential leak point.
Ridge and Junction Damage
Clearing without knowledge of the roof structure can mechanically damage ridge sealing, flashing systems or ventilation pipes.
Ice Removal Mistakes
Forcing or chipping ice dams can tear off tiles or metal sheets. Correct removal uses heat or careful blows, not pulling.
Fall Risk
A roof with snow and ice is extremely slippery. Working without proper safety equipment creates a high risk of falling — affecting both the homeowner and workers.
Snow Falling on Passers-by
Improper clearing can cause uncontrolled masses of snow to fall onto pavements or cars. In Latvia this is a legal liability matter.
Water Infiltration
If snow is removed too forcefully, movement of snow masses can tear metal sheet seams or ridge closures, creating leaks.
Our Snow Removal Method
Safety assessment
Before climbing onto the roof we assess the snow depth, roof pitch, available anchor points and weather conditions. All workers have appropriate insurance and safety equipment.
Snow removal with a protective layer
We remove snow with plastic or wooden tools, leaving a 2–3 cm protective layer directly above the roof covering. This layer protects the covering from mechanical damage and acts as a buffer zone.
Ice dam treatment
Ice dams are treated with heating cables or careful mechanical techniques. The aim is to create a drainage channel for water, not to break all the ice at once.
Gutter clearing
We verify that downpipe systems are not blocked with snow or ice — otherwise melt water cannot drain and will accumulate on the roof or against the facade.
Roof condition check
After snow removal we visually inspect the roof condition — whether the snow load has caused visible covering damage, whether junctions are intact. We report any problems found immediately.
Why Planned Properties Should Take Out a Winter Maintenance Contract
Calling after every major snowfall and waiting for a call-out can mean long queues at the seasonal peak, when everyone calls at once. A roof maintenance subscription includes priority call-outs after major snowfalls, a regular roof inspection after each snow season and a discount on other repair services. Contact us to find out about winter maintenance service pricing.
Indicative Prices — Snow Removal
| Work type | Price from |
|---|---|
| Private house (up to 150 m² roof) | €150 |
| Private house (150–250 m² roof) | €200–300 |
| Apartment building (from 300 m²) | from €400 |
| Commercial property (calculated) | on request |
| Ice dam removal | €100–200 extra |
| Gutter thawing | €80–150 |
| Winter maintenance subscription | contact us |
| Phone consultation and assessment | FREE |
Prices depend on roof area, accessibility, snow depth and clearing complexity.
"After the big February snowfall my flat roof was completely covered with a thick layer of snow and ice. The neighbour's garage flat roof had already started to sag. I called this team — they arrived the same day, cleared everything methodically and also showed me where the gutters had frozen. I've now signed up for the winter subscription."
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal
How often does snow need to be removed from the roof?
For flat roofs — when snow depth exceeds 20–30 cm. For pitched roofs regular removal is generally not needed, but after intensive snowfall combined with thaw it is advisable to check for ice dam formation. After snowfalls exceeding 30 cm, all roofs should be inspected.
Can snow removal damage the roof?
Unprofessional removal — yes. Professional clearing with plastic and wooden tools, leaving a 2–3 cm protective layer, is safe. We carry insurance covering any possible damage.
What are ice dams and why are they dangerous?
Ice dams form when snow melts on the warmer central part of the roof and water freezes at the colder roof edges. Liquid water accumulates behind the ice dam seeking a path under the covering — which is why winter leaks often have this cause.
How much does snow removal cost?
Private house (up to 150 m²): €150–250. Larger property: from €300. Ice dam removal: +€100–200. Call us for a quick telephone estimate based on roof area.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, we work with civil liability insurance covering any possible damage to the roof or property during work. This is a mandatory condition of our work.