How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Bend, OR Roof
- Nicole Schwarz
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Winter Roof Care in Central Oregon: What You Should Know
In Central Oregon, winter storms bring scenic beauty—and heavy snow loads. If you live in Bend, Sisters, La Pine, or Sunriver, you know how quickly a roof can accumulate snow and ice, especially during prolonged cold snaps. But here’s the catch: improper snow removal can cause more damage than the snow itself.
At Ascent Roofing and Exteriors, we don't offer snow removal, but we want homeowners to know how to protect their roofs safely this winter.
Why Snow Removal Matters for Your Roof
Heavy snow loads can:
Add weight stress to the roof framing
Lead to ice dam formation, which causes leaks
Shorten your roof's lifespan
Areas like Sisters, La Pine, and Sunriver often see deeper snow accumulation and are prone to freeze-thaw cycles that can create ice dams.
Safe Snow Removal Tips for Central Oregon Homeowners
If you choose to remove snow yourself, do it the right way:
✅ Use a Roof Rake
Use a long-handled, plastic-blade roof rake from the ground
Remove the first 3–4 feet of snow from the edge to reduce ice dam risk
✅ Clear Ice Dam Pathways
Use roof-safe ice melt (never salt!) in areas prone to dams, especially valleys and eaves
Create channels through existing dams with warm water or safe melt products
✅ Work in Layers
If your roof has deep snow, remove it in sections to avoid damaging shingles
What Not to Do
❌ Don't Climb Onto Your Roof
Slippery conditions and fragile surfaces make this dangerous
❌ Avoid Metal Shovels or Chipping Tools
These can crack or puncture roofing materials
❌ Don’t Use Salt
Salt can damage shingles, flashings, and nearby landscaping
When to Call a Pro
If your home has:
Ice dams backing up into your attic or ceiling
Sagging rooflines
Leaking from under the eaves
Call a licensed contractor or snow removal professional with proper insurance and experience, not a general laborer. For any roof repairs or damage assessments, Ascent Roofing and Exteriors is here to help.
Preventing Ice Dams and Roof Damage in the Future
To prevent issues long-term:
Schedule regular roof inspections (Ascent offers this service)
Improve attic ventilation and insulation
Install a water and ice shield under the roofing in trouble spots
Central Oregon’s climate is tough on roofs, but we’re tougher.
Related Resources:
FAQ:
Q: Do I need to remove all snow from my roof?
A: No. Focus on areas near the edge to prevent ice dams. Removing the bottom few feet is often enough.
Q: How much snow is too much?
A: Generally, more than 6–8 inches of wet snow or 12–18 inches of dry snow can become risky. La Pine and Sunriver homes should be especially cautious due to higher snowfall.
Q: Should I install heating cables?
A: In some cases, yes—especially if your roof has chronic ice dam issues. Talk to a pro during your next inspection.
Need help evaluating your roof’s winter readiness?
Reach out to Ascent Roofing and Exteriors—we serve Bend, Sisters, La Pine, and Sunriver with honest advice and dependable roof care.
Call us at (541) 527-7495
ben@ascent-roofing.com for a roof inspection
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