Tips on how to safely clean snow off your roof

ARLINGTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- After a big snowstorm, the first thing a lot of us do is shovel the driveway and sidewalk. But we often overlook the roof.

With the addition of rain, the weight of the snow on your roof can multiply as much as ten times. And with more snow in the forecast, it is crucial to clean your roof as soon as possible.

One thing homeowners can do is take a nylon and fill it with calcium chloride and throw it up on your roof.

"You will get some damage if you wait a long time. Be proactive and try to do something first,” said Mike Leary of Leary Contracting.

Mike Leary's phone has been ringing off the hook.

Homeowners are desperately trying to prevent water damage, or even worse, their roof collapsing.

"We've probably done- we've got 3 crews out there now, probably done 15 already today. We're booked all through today and all day tomorrow and into Monday. It's a good idea to try and stay ahead of it,” said Leary.

Another problem besides the heavy weight of the snow is ice, which can form along the edge of the roof, preventing water from draining off and leading to water damage.

Paying a roofer to clean off the snow may cost a few hundred, but it pales in comparison to what you'll pay to repair water damage, if your homeowner's insurance doesn't pick up the bill.

"I don't recommend people going up by themselves to do the roof. It's a safety issue. It is slippery up there,” said Leary.

One of the best things you can do is get yourself a roof rake like this one that way you can remove some of the snow. You don't have to get it all, just enough so the water has somewhere to flow.

Still, some homeowners tell us they're not worried.

"Based on past experience with the roof that was put on they did a good job. We never had any ice jam up or anything with the new roof,” said Barv Turner, a homeowner.

Also make sure your furnace vent is clear as you clean the snow off your roof so that you don’t trap carbon monoxide into your house.