What does roof snow clearance include and when to book it?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB5 min read
Short answer
What does roof snow clearance include and how do you book it in time?
Roof snow clearance includes an inspection of the roof, removal of snow and ice from the roof surface, removal of icicles along the eaves and gutters, securing of the ground beneath the work area and, if needed, removal of the snow from the property. It is best to book through a winter contract already in autumn, or as soon as forecasts show rapid snow depth and sub-zero temperatures, since demand surges after heavy snowfall and Service Plus then ends up with waiting lists. The earlier the roof is booked in, the greater the chance the work can be completed before the snow load or icicles become a safety risk.
What does a roof snow clearance include?
A roof snow clearance always starts with an inspection of the roof and its load, since the amount of snow, ice formation and the roof's construction determine how the work is planned. After that, snow and ice are removed from the roof surface, icicles along the eaves and gutters are taken down, and the ground beneath the work area is cordoned off so that no one walks or parks there while the snow and ice are falling.
What exactly is included, how often the roof should be checked during winter, and whether the snow should be removed from the property or may be left in place, are examples of things agreed with the customer at the visit and written into the contract or quote. The tasks and frequency are negotiable and adapted to the roof's location, size and how exposed the property is to snow load.
- Inspection of snow amount and ice formation on the roof
- Removal of snow and ice from the roof surface
- Removal of icicles at the eaves and gutters
- Cordoning off the ground beneath the work area
- Removal of the snow from the property if needed
What signs show that a roof needs clearing soon?
The depth of snow on the roof, how heavy and wet the snow is, and whether icicles have already formed determine how urgent the situation is. Wet, heavy snow weighs considerably more than fresh snow and can put a strain on a roof structure quickly, sometimes after just a couple of days of mild weather followed by renewed sub-zero temperatures, which is also when ice dams and icicles grow fast.
Waiting as long as possible is a risk both for the roof and for anyone moving beneath it. Service Plus always assesses the urgency on site and prioritises roofs where the snow load or icicles already pose a danger.
Why is it wise to book roof snow clearance in good time?
Demand for roof snow clearance surges the moment heavy snowfall or a cold snap hits, and waiting times at most companies then become long. Anyone who books before winter or signs a winter contract in autumn instead secures a place in the schedule and avoids being last in the queue when everyone else calls at the same time.
A winter contract means Service Plus monitors the weather themselves and steps in whenever the snow depth or ice formation on that particular roof requires it, instead of the property owner having to call urgently every time it snows.
What affects the scope and safety of the work?
The roof's pitch, height and material determine how the work is planned and what equipment is needed, as well as whether it can be done from a ladder, from the roof with a safety line, or whether a cherry picker is required. A steep roof, a tall building or poor ground access make the work more time-consuming and therefore affect the price.
Service Plus always assesses this on site and provides a clear price or hourly rate before the work begins, so the property owner knows what to expect before anything is booked.
- The roof's pitch and material
- How tall the building is and how the roof is accessed
- Amount of snow and whether ice has already formed
- Whether the ground around the building can be safely cordoned off
- Whether the snow should be removed or may be left on the property
How does Service Plus carry out roof snow clearance?
Skottis and his team bring their own equipment, assess the roof and the snow load on site, and plan the work so that both the roof and the surrounding ground remain safe throughout the job. Snow and ice that is removed is taken away from the property if the customer wishes.
Private individuals receive a RUT deduction of up to 50 percent of the labour cost, which is deducted directly on the invoice, while waste removal is invoiced separately without a deduction. Get in touch with Service Plus Stockholm AB for a free quote within 24 hours, whether it concerns a single roof snow clearance or a full winter contract.
Common follow-up questions
Does roof snow clearance qualify for the RUT deduction?
Yes, the labour cost of clearing the roof qualifies for a RUT deduction of up to 50 percent, while removal of the snow and any materials is invoiced without a deduction.
Can you book roof snow clearance in the middle of winter if the roof is already full of snow?
Yes, Service Plus accepts urgent bookings throughout the winter, but waiting times can become longer during heavy snowfall since many people get in touch at the same time, so the earlier you call the better.
Does the whole roof need to be cleared, or can just the icicles be removed?
It is entirely possible to only remove icicles and ice at the eaves if the snow load on the roof itself is not a problem, and the scope is always agreed with the customer at the visit.
Can a winter contract also cover roof snow clearance?
Yes, Service Plus can include roof snow clearance in a winter contract together with snow removal and anti-slip treatment, so the roof is monitored and dealt with without the property owner having to call urgently every time.
