Time is right to clear snow from your roof

With winter storms making a sustained appearance in the Keweenaw Peninsula, area contractors say it’s not too late to arrange for your roof to be cleared of snow. Dan Riutta suggests the job should be done for every 100 inches of snowfall the area receives. Both Houghton and Keweenaw Counties have hit that threshold now. Riutta says he is still confident that his company can get to your job this week. Emergencies are being prioritized for same-day service, but one to three days is the most you should have to wait even with calls picking up.

Riutta says that commercial buildings with flat roofs and older homes need to be especially careful. Structures built long ago were not held to the same standards, including load bearing requirements. Flat roofs work fine as long as drainage can occur. Given the persistent stretch of arctic temperatures, no melting is happening, regardless of if the sun is making an appearance.

Riutta says for insurance purposes it is best to stick to licensed contractors for the job, even if the immediate cost is a bit more. For those who intend to do it themselves, he gives the following advice.

A winter weather advisory continues to be extended as conditions demand for Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. Forecasts suggest lake effect snow could continue through the weekend.