Preparing Your Roof for Winter: Anchorage Homeowners’ Guide

How to Protect Your Home Before the First Snow Hits

Anchorage winters bring some of the toughest conditions in the country. Snow builds up fast, ice follows right behind, and before long, a roof can be carrying thousands of extra pounds it wasn’t designed for. If you’ve ever looked up at your roof after a big storm and wondered “should I be doing something?” — this guide’s for you.

When Snow Becomes a Problem
Not every snowfall means trouble. Light powder usually melts off naturally when the sun comes out. But if you’re seeing six to eight inches or more of wet snow building up — especially near roof valleys or eaves — it’s worth taking a closer look.
Here’s what heavy buildup can lead to:
• Added weight that strains trusses, nails, and decking
• Ice dams that trap meltwater under shingles
• Falling snow and ice that can rip off gutters or block entryways

What Homeowners Can Safely Handle
If the snow’s fresh and reachable from the ground, there’s no harm in clearing some yourself — carefully.

A few rules we recommend:
• Use a roof rake with a plastic or soft edge (metal rakes scratch shingles)
• Work from the eaves upward, pulling snow down in small sections
• Leave a thin layer of snow behind — bare shingles in freezing weather are more likely to crack or lift
• Stay on the ground. No roof is worth slipping off.

For anything beyond easy reach, that’s when to stop and call in a pro.

Temporary Fixes for Ice Dams
Sometimes you’ll see ice forming along the eaves even after clearing snow. If water’s backing up, you can open small drainage paths using calcium-chloride “socks.”

Just fill pantyhose or tubing with the pellets and lay them perpendicular to the ice dam so meltwater can drain. It’s a short-term fix — but a safe one. Avoid rock salt or metal tools; both cause damage that costs more to fix later.

If the ice is thick, bonded, or covering valleys, it’s time to step back and let professionals handle it. Anew Roofing uses roof-rated ice-removal gear, safety anchors, and heat-safe techniques designed for Alaskan conditions — no crowbars, no blowtorches, and no shingle damage.

How Professionals Remove Roof Snow Safely
When we come out, we’re not just removing snow. We’re:
1. Measuring snow load to make sure the structure isn’t stressed
2. Clearing drifts without damaging the shingles underneath
3. Addressing ventilation or insulation issues that lead to repeated ice dams

Every roof’s different — pitch, exposure, and attic warmth all play a part. That’s why the safest plan is usually a quick professional assessment.

How to Prevent the Next One
Long-term, it’s not about removing snow — it’s about stopping the buildup from forming in the first place.
Here’s what helps the most:
• Seal warm air leaks in the attic
• Bring insulation up to code (especially near eaves)
• Make sure soffit vents and ridge vents both move air
• Keep gutters clear before snowfall

That balance — insulation and ventilation — keeps the roof deck cold, which prevents the freeze–thaw cycle that creates ice dams.

Need Help This Winter?

If the snow’s heavy or the ice is building up fast, don’t take chances. Anew Roofing provides professional snow and ice removal across Anchorage. We’ll get the weight off safely and help you keep it off for good.