How Much Does It Cost to Remove Snow From a Roof in 2025?
The average cost of roof snow removal is $300
Roof snow removal costs between $150 and $1,000, with most homeowners spending around $300.
Factors like your location, roof size and pitch, snow accumulation, and how often you remove snow determine the total cost.
Many homeowners bundle snow removal with services like heating cables, heated gutter, and ice shield installation.
Hiring a professional to remove snow from your roof regularly prevents structural damage and costly repairs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Roof snow removal costs an average of $200 and $700, with most homeowners spending $300 to have a snow removal specialist clear their roofs. Removing snow from your roof is essential to prevent structural damage from heavy snow loads and ice dams. Factors like your location, roof size and pitch, frequency of removal, and the amount of accumulated snow affect the cost. Planning for regular roof snow removal during the snowy season is important, and hiring a snow removal professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
Roof Snow Removal Cost Factors
Many factors impact the overall cost of snow removal, including your roof size, the amount of snow, ice dams, and the overall project difficulty.
Roof Size
For a standard single-story roof, you can expect costs to range from $200 to $500. If you have a two-story home with a large, steep roof, the price may be between $1,000 and $2,000. However, if your roof is steep, has an awkward shape with lots of seams, peaks, and planes, or is very tall, you'll pay more because the job is more complex and takes longer. Below are typical roof sizes and the estimated costs to clear snow from them.
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 | $150–$300 |
| 2,000 | $200–$400 |
| 2,500 | $250–$500 |
| 3,000 | $350–$600 |
| 3,500 | $450–$700 |
Amount of Snow
The amount of snow and the overall weight of compacted snow significantly impact the overall cost. Deep or heavily compacted snow takes considerably longer to remove, increasing labor costs.
| Snow Depth (Inches) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 | $250–$350 |
| 18 | $300–$400 |
| 24 | $250–$500 |
Ice Dams
Along with snowfall, your roof may also be susceptible to ice dams, which form when the freeze-thaw cycle causes snow to melt and refreeze at the roof's edge. Ice dam removal costs around $1,200 on average, with difficult projects costing more. They can seriously damage your roof and create icicles that might fall and cause injury.
Overall Difficulty
The difficulty of removing snow from your roof affects the overall cost, especially when it comes to the incline and height. If your roof has a steep pitch, it will cost more to clear due to the added danger and effort required. However, a steep roof can sometimes cause snow to slide off on its own, reducing or eliminating labor costs. If you have a one-story home, it's easier and less expensive to remove snow than from a multi-story home.
Labor
Most roof snow removal companies near you will charge by the hour or half-hour, with hourly rates ranging from $50 to $100. Some companies may have a minimum charge of $40 to $100, regardless of the time the project takes. You'll notice that roof snow removal costs more than clearing other parts of your property because roof work is specialized, dangerous, and requires contractors to follow safety regulations and carry insurance.
Most companies require a deposit of $50 to $100 to hold an appointment, as contractors are extremely busy immediately following heavy snowfall.
Cost of Roof Snow Removal Add-Ons
Here are some optional services to consider when having snow removed from your roof. Adding these can help prevent issues and save you money in the long run.
Heating Cables
Heating cables cost between $1 and $6 per linear foot, with installation priced between $12 and $20 per linear foot. Heating cables help to melt snow, de-ice your roof, and prevent pipes from freezing when temperatures drop.
Heated Gutters
Heated gutter or guard installations cost between $1 and $10 per linear foot, plus additional installation costs. Heated gutters keep the edge of your roof warm, preventing snowmelt from refreezing and causing damage.
Ice Shields
Ice shields cost between $4 and $5.50 per square foot, including installation. Ice shields are attached to your roof eaves or valleys to provide an extra layer of protection against dams and water infiltration.
Monthly Contracts
Considering a monthly contract for snow removal can help you manage the issue throughout the season. However, not many companies offer monthly contracts for roof snow removal. They mainly focus on sidewalk plowing, driveway plowing, and general yard clearing. Removing snow from your roof requires specialized skills and equipment that don’t fall under standard monthly contracts.
DIY vs. Hiring a Snow Removal Pro
While you might consider removing roof snow yourself to save money, it's a task best left to snow removal professionals. Climbing onto a snowy roof is dangerous, and you could seriously injure yourself or risk a life-threatening accident. If you live in a single-story home and your roof is accessible from the ground, you might use a roof rake to remove some snow safely. However, if there's bad weather, your roof is high or steeply pitched, or the snow and ice buildup is heavy, it's worth hiring a local snow removal pro to handle the job safely and effectively.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of snowfall your roof can handle depends on its sturdiness and how compact the snow is. You should consider removing snow once it reaches six inches deep, especially if you notice ice dams forming. If there are no ice dams, you can wait until the snow reaches 12 inches, but it's best not to let snow accumulate beyond that.
You don’t necessarily have to clear snow from your roof, but over time, the weight can damage your roof and lead to costly repairs. Snow also aids in the formation of ice dams, which present their own dangers. If you see ice dams and snow around six inches deep, it’s best to have it cleared. If no ice dams exist and you have a sturdy, structurally sound roof, you may let the snow get up to 12 inches deep before removing it.
Yes, most homeowners insurance plans cover roof damage caused by snow, including partial or complete roof collapse. However, payouts fluctuate depending on the roof's age, maintenance demands, and condition. Even though your roof should be covered for snow damage, it’s wise to avoid the cost and inconvenience of repairs by taking steps to keep your roof snow-free.
A flat roof can take about 20 pounds per square foot of snow, assuming the roof is in good condition to begin with. Aby more than that puts the structure under too much stress and makes it prone to damage. Plus, the snow can melt, pool, and freeze in flat areas, causing further damage.
Warning signs of roof collapse due to snowfall include a noticeable sag in the roofline, cracking sounds when pressure is applied, visible cracks in adjacent walls, and leaks in the attic. These warning signs show that snow accumulation is overburdening your roof and putting it at risk of collapse. If you observe any of these signs, immediately contact a roofing professional to inspect and secure your home before severe damage occurs.
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