How Much Does Roof Snow Removal Cost in 2025?
The average cost to remove snow from a roof is $300
Plan on spending an average of $300 for roof snow removal, although jobs can range from $150 to $1,000.
Large roofs, deep snow drifts, and local labor rates all contribute to pushing the price higher.
Prompt snow removal wards off damage and pricey repairs.
Snow removal professionals have the gear and safety training to clear your roof fast.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
You’ll spend between $150 and $1,000 for roof snow removal, with most homeowners paying an average of $300. Clearing snow protects your roof from heavy loads and ice dams. Your location, roof size, and pitch, as well as how often you clear it and how much snow that has accumulated, all influence the price. Scheduling regular service during the snowy season—and hiring a qualified pro—keeps the job safe and your roof secure.
Roof Snow Removal Cost Factors
Your final bill depends on several factors, including roof size, snow depth, the presence of ice dams, and the difficulty of navigating your roof.
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 range from $1,000 to $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 standard 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 have a significant impact on the total cost. Deep or heavily compacted snow requires considerably more time to remove, thereby 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 edge of the roof. Ice dam removal costs an average of $1,200, with more complex projects incurring higher costs. 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, particularly in terms of 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 charge a minimum of $40 to $100, regardless of the time it takes to complete the project. 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. Other pricing models include charging per visit, with a flat fee ranging from $150 to $1,700. Keep in mind that rates may vary depending on your location, so consult with a local snow removal company to obtain the most accurate estimate.
Cost of Roof Snow Removal Add-Ons
Snow-removal pros may suggest a few extras that prevent future problems and can ultimately save you cash.
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 snow removal contract can help you manage the issue throughout the season. However, not many companies offer monthly contracts for snow removal from roofs. They mainly focus on sidewalk plowing, driveway plowing, and general yard clearing. Removing snow from your roof requires specialized skills and equipment that are not covered under standard monthly contracts.
DIY vs. Hiring a Snow Removal Pro
You might be tempted to tackle the snow yourself, but working on a slick roof is risky and often more trouble than it’s worth. If your home is one story and you can reach the eaves from the ground, a $50 to $120 roof rake handles light snowfall. Anything heavier, higher, or accompanied by ice requires the services of a local snow-removal professional equipped with the right gear and insurance.
Budgeting for Roof Snow Removal
Planning ahead for winter roof maintenance can save you from emergency expenses. Consider these tips to manage your snow removal budget:
Set aside $300 to 500 in your winter home maintenance fund specifically for roof snow removal.
Ask local companies about early-season discounts or multi-service packages that include gutters and downspouts.
Consider splitting the cost with neighbors by booking the same crew on the same day.
Track snowfall patterns and schedule removals strategically before accumulation becomes severe.
Invest in preventive measures, such as heating cables, that may reduce the frequency of needed removals.
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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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
Every roof is different, but a good rule of thumb is to act once you see about 6 inches of snow, especially if ice dams are forming. Most residential roofs are designed to withstand approximately 20 pounds per square foot, and heavy, wet snow can quickly reach that limit. If the drift continues to grow, schedule a removal before it reaches 12 inches to prevent excess weight, leaks, and structural strain.
Not every flurry requires professional attention, but allowing snow to accumulate can invite leaks, ice dams, and even structural collapse. If the layer is six inches deep, wet, or combined with ice, it’s smart to clear it. A sturdy roof without ice can sometimes withstand up to a foot of snow, yet prompt removal is often cheaper than emergency repairs. Use a roof rake for light fluff and call a pro for anything beyond that.
Most standard homeowners' policies do cover damage caused by the weight of snow or ice, including partial or complete roof collapse. Payouts vary based on your roof’s age, maintenance record, and policy limits, so review your documents before winter arrives. Maintain routine snow removal and inspections; insurers may deny a claim if neglect is found to have contributed to the incident. When in doubt, ask your agent exactly what snow-related scenarios are included.
A well-built flat roof can bear about 20 pounds per square foot, which translates to roughly four feet of light, fluffy snow or two feet of packed snow. Ice weighs much more, so an inch of glaze can push the structure to its limit. Because weight accumulates quickly, monitor drifts after each storm and arrange for removal before the load reaches that threshold.
Watch for a sagging ridge line, new cracks in interior walls or drywall, doors that suddenly stick, and ominous creaking or popping sounds. Water stains or leaks in the attic are another red flag. These signals indicate that the roof is struggling under the weight of the snow. Evacuate the area beneath the roof, call a licensed roofer or structural engineer immediately, and arrange professional snow removal before more damage occurs.
Walking on a snow-covered roof exposes you to slick surfaces, hidden ice, and unstable footing, all of which are several stories above the ground. A misstep can lead to severe injury or worse, and you could also damage shingles or create leaks. Pros use harnesses, specialty boots, and removal tools designed for steep, icy pitches. For most homeowners, the safest move is to stay on the ground and hire an insured snow-removal technician.
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