Mar 1, 2014 2 min read

Q. On the radio (Saturday) before the snowfall begin, the newscaster said that people should shovel their roofs because more snow is expected; I heard the same admonition by a weathercaster on a Boston TV station. Now roofers are roaming the streets asking homeowners if they want their roofs shoveled for $500!!! All the houses in my area are Capes or splits. What is with this cry to shovel roofs of snow to prevent Armageddon?

Jack Slater, Chelmsford

A. A mistake is harder to eradicate than the truth. Sloped roofs do not need clearing of snow, because they will hold infinite amounts of snow, up to maybe 3, 4, or 5 feet, even more, because a double slope, which most houses have, will hold many times their own weight. Shoveling off snow will do no good, is extremely dangerous, and criminally expensive as you found out. The only roofs that need clearing of snow are flat ones, if their interior drains have failed. Besides, snow is an insulator and helps prevent loss of heat. The only need for clearing snow off a slanted roof is to help prevent heavy water leaks, into attics and living spaces.