To prepare a Denver roof for winter, clear debris out of the valleys and gutters, check that the attic is insulated and ventilated so it stays cold, fix loose shingles, flashing and pipe boots, and decide now how you will remove heavy snow safely, from the ground with a roof rake or by a professional. Denver roofs are designed for a 35 pounds per square foot ground snow load under the City’s building code, so most winter problems are leaks from ice and clogged drainage, not collapse.
Denver’s winter, by the numbers
- Snowfall. The National Weather Service’s Denver/Boulder office says the official 1991 to 2020 average is 49 inches, likely underestimated, and the seasonal average is probably closer to 56 inches.
- Snow load. The City and County of Denver’s design table lists a 35 psf ground snow load.
- Ice barrier. Denver does not require self-adhering bitumen at the eaves and rakes. See do Denver roofs need ice and water shield.
Before the first snow
- Clear the valleys. Leaves and twigs collect in roof valleys, which already carry the most water. Debris holds snow and meltwater against the shingles; valleys are one of the most common places a roof leaks.
- Clean and refasten the gutters. Check hangers and fasteners as you clean, because rusted or loose fasteners let a full gutter overflow or pull away under ice.
- Fix the small things. Lifted shingles, cracked pipe boots, loose storm collars and gaps in wall flashing let in water once snow sits on them.
- Check the attic. Thin insulation and air leaks warm the roof deck, melt the snow and cause ice dams. Intake vents at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge keep the deck cold and even. See what causes ice dams.
- Look for sagging. A dip in the ridge or between rafters before winter is worth checking before snow loads it; see why a roof sags.
Removing snow safely
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| One-story roof, light to moderate snow | Roof rake with an extension pole from the ground; pull it down in thin layers |
| Ice dam forming at the eaves | Rake the bottom few feet of snow; do not chip the ice |
| Two-story or steep roof | Hire a professional with fall protection |
| Sagging, cracking sounds, sticking doors | Leave that area and call for help right away |
Rules of thumb from Denver roofers:
- Do not climb onto a snowy roof. Snow hides ice and skylights. Our roof safety guide explains why falls are the biggest roofing risk.
- No sharp metal tools. Shovels and ice picks cut shingles and flashing.
- Leave an inch or two. Raking down to the shingles strips granules.
- Watch after the sun comes out. Snow that melts by day and refreezes at night is what builds ice dams.
Flat or low-slope sections, such as porches, need their drains and scuppers clear so meltwater can leave.
If your roof is near the end
A roof with curled or missing shingles going into winter will leak by spring. Read why Denver homeowners replace their roofs, and see Denver roof repair for smaller fixes.
Book a Denver pre-winter inspection
Integrity Roofing and Painting’s Denver-area office is in Centennial. We are veteran-owned, family-run since 1990, and an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Call (303) 209-0152 or book a free Denver roof inspection; we respond the same business day.
Our printable spring and fall roof maintenance checklist turns these steps into a list you can tick off each fall.
Sources: City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist (updated 4/11/2024: 35 psf ground snow load, ice barrier not required); National Weather Service Denver/Boulder, Seasonal Snowfall.
