In Alaska, snow-covered roofs are part of winter. But when the snow piles up too much, it’s not just a pretty picture — it can become a real structural risk. Whether you’re in Wasilla, Palmer, or Anchorage, it’s important to know when snow load becomes a problem and what signs to watch for.
How Much Snow Is Too Much?
Snow weight varies more than most people realize. Dry powder snow is light, but once it settles or gets wet from thaw or rain, it can become extremely heavy.
Here’s a rough guide:
- 12 inches of dry snow = about 5 pounds per square foot
- 12 inches of wet, compacted snow = up to 20 pounds per square foot
If your roof is holding 2 feet of heavy, wet snow, that could mean 40–50 pounds per square foot — and that’s approaching the design limit for many homes.
Newer homes built to code typically handle 40–70 psf, depending on location, but older homes, sheds, or additions may not meet that standard.
Warning Signs of Overload
Before you think about clearing the roof, pay attention to these signs that your roof might be under stress:
- Unusual creaking or popping sounds
- Sagging ceiling drywall or visible dips in the roofline
- Doors or windows suddenly sticking
- Cracks appearing near ceilings or interior walls
- Ice dams forming at the eaves or in roof valleys
These are all early indicators that the snow weight is taking a toll — and action may be needed.
Should You Shovel Your Roof?
We don’t offer snow removal services, and for most homeowners, we don’t recommend climbing up or attempting full snow removal without proper training and safety equipment.
However, if snow is more than 18 inches deep or dense and heavy, it’s wise to rake the first 3–4 feet from the roof edge using a telescoping roof rake from the ground. That helps reduce the risk of ice damming and localized overload near eaves.
What You Can Do – And How We Help
We recommend:
- Monitoring snow depth after every major storm
- Watching for signs of stress (indoors and out)
Scheduling a roof inspection if you’re unsure about your structure’s load capacity
At All North Roofing, we don’t clear snow — but we do:
- Inspect roofs for load-related risks
- Assess visible signs of damage after heavy snow
- Offer structural improvements during summer (framing upgrades, ventilation, better drainage design)
If this winter is pushing your roof to the limit, let’s talk now — so we can plan lasting solutions when the snow melts. Call (907) 600-8865 to schedule a roof check or load assessment
