Emergency Snow & Ice Removal Services
Protecting Michigan Properties from Winter’s Worst Since 1974
24-Hour Emergency Response
Get in Touch
Don't Let Snow and Ice Threaten Your Property
Michigan winters can be brutal, and the weight of accumulated snow and ice poses a serious threat to both residential and commercial buildings. At Butcher & Butcher Construction, we’ve been protecting Michigan properties for over 50 years with professional snow and ice removal services that prevent costly damage, structural failures, and safety hazards.
Our team of trained roofing professionals understands the unique challenges that Michigan winters present. We respond quickly to emergency situations and provide preventative maintenance to keep your property safe throughout the winter season.
Understanding the Weight of Winter
Many property owners underestimate the tremendous weight that snow and ice can add to their roofs. The numbers are sobering:
- Dry Snow: One foot of dry, powdery snow weighs approximately 3-5 pounds per square foot
- Wet Snow: One foot of wet, heavy snow can weigh 20-25 pounds per square foot
- Ice Accumulation: Rain following snowfall freezes overnight, dramatically increasing the weight load
For a typical commercial building with 10,000 square feet of roof space, wet snow accumulation can add over 200,000 pounds of stress to the structure. This is why regular monitoring and professional snow removal are critical investments in property protection.
Our Snow and Ice Removal Services
Large commercial and industrial buildings require specialized equipment and expertise for safe, effective snow removal. Our crews utilize cranes, aerial lifts, and professional-grade tools to clear snow from warehouses, retail centers, manufacturing facilities, postal buildings, and other commercial structures. We understand the urgency of keeping your business operational and your employees safe.
Your home is your most valuable investment. When snow accumulates on your roof, our residential team responds quickly to remove the weight before it causes structural damage. We take special care to protect your roofing materials, gutters, and landscaping during the removal process.
Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge, creating a barrier that traps water against your roof. This trapped water can seep under shingles, causing leaks, mold growth, and serious interior damage. Our ice dam removal services safely eliminate these hazards while protecting your roof and gutters from damage.
Flat commercial roofs rely on drain systems to remove water. When these drains freeze, water accumulates and adds dangerous weight to your roof structure. We locate and clear frozen drains to restore proper drainage and prevent ponding that can lead to roof collapse.
Winter emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Our emergency response team is available around the clock to address urgent snow and ice situations before they become catastrophic failures. When you call our emergency line, you’ll speak with someone who can dispatch a crew to your location quickly.
Signs Your Roof Needs Immediate Attention
Contact us immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Visible sagging in the roof structure or ceiling
- Cracks appearing in walls or around door frames
- Doors or windows that suddenly won’t open or close properly
- Creaking, popping, or cracking sounds from the roof or ceiling
- Water stains appearing on ceilings or walls
- Icicles forming along the roof edge (indicating potential ice dams)
- Snow drifts accumulating to heights of 4 feet or more against the building
Real Stories: The Cost of Waiting
Commercial Structure Collapse in West Branch
A commercial building in West Branch, Michigan stood for 30 years without issues. The owners assumed they were safe from winter damage. However, when drifts accumulated to over 8 feet and temperatures began to rise, the combination of heavy snow and meltwater destroyed over 2,000 square feet of the facility. The replacement cost exceeded $200,000—a devastating expense that could have been prevented with a few thousand dollars in professional snow removal.
Pontiac Postal Facility
The Pontiac Postal facility faced a serious situation when massive snow drifts accumulated on lower roof sections. The structure was in danger of collapse, threatening both the building and everyone inside. Butcher & Butcher Construction deployed crane equipment for preventative snow removal, maintaining the structural integrity and allowing operations to continue safely.
Residential Garage Damage
A homeowner left for the winter without arranging for snow removal on their detached garage. Without any preventive maintenance throughout the winter, the structure failed. The garage contained vehicles, bicycles, and tools—all destroyed. The insurance claim and reconstruction costs far exceeded what seasonal snow monitoring would have cost.
Why Choose Butcher & Butcher Construction
50+ Years of Michigan Roofing Expertise
Since 1974, we’ve built our reputation on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Our deep understanding of Michigan’s climate and building codes means we know exactly how to protect your property from winter’s challenges.
Trained Safety Professionals
Snow and ice removal from rooftops is dangerous work. Our crews receive extensive safety training and use professional equipment designed for working at heights in winter conditions. We’re fully insured and follow strict safety protocols on every job.
Equipment for Any Situation
From aerial lifts to cranes, we have the specialized equipment needed to safely remove snow from any structure. Whether your building is one story or ten, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Comprehensive Building Envelope Services
As a full-service roofing contractor, we don’t just remove snow—we can identify and repair any damage caused by winter weather. From leak repairs to complete roof replacements, we handle everything to restore your building’s integrity.
Serving All of Michigan
Southeast Michigan
From our Rochester Hills headquarters, we serve Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and surrounding areas.
Call (248) 852-2323 for service in Southeast Michigan.
Northern Michigan
Our Harbor Springs location serves Emmet County, Charlevoix County, and communities throughout Northern Michigan, where lake-effect snow creates especially challenging conditions.
Call (231) 347-4722 for Northern Michigan service.
Preventive Winter Maintenance Programs
The best way to protect your property is through proactive monitoring and maintenance. Our winter maintenance programs include:
- Regular roof inspections throughout the winter season
- Snow depth monitoring and removal before critical thresholds are reached
- Ice dam prevention and removal
- Drain clearing and inspection
- Priority emergency response for program members
FAQ's
How much snow is too much for my roof?
Most residential roofs can safely hold about 20 pounds per square foot, but this varies based on roof design, age, and condition. As a general rule, if you have more than 12 inches of wet, heavy snow or 2-3 feet of dry snow, it’s time to consider professional removal. Flat roofs and older structures may have lower thresholds. When in doubt, call us for a free assessment.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
Our 24-hour emergency response team is always on standby during winter months. Response times vary based on weather conditions and current demand, but we prioritize emergency situations and can typically have a crew on-site within hours for critical structural concerns. We’ll give you an honest estimated arrival time when you call.
Will snow removal damage my roof or gutters?
Our trained professionals use techniques specifically designed to protect your roofing materials. We use plastic shovels and specialized tools that won’t scratch or puncture your roof. We also leave a thin layer of snow (about 2 inches) to act as a buffer between our tools and your roofing surface. Our crews are experienced with all roofing types, including delicate materials like slate, cedar, and tile.
What causes ice dams, and how do you remove them safely?
Ice dams form when heat escapes from your attic, melting snow on the upper roof. The water runs down and refreezes at the colder eaves, creating a dam that traps water. We remove ice dams using steam equipment and careful manual removal—never harsh chemicals or aggressive chipping that could damage your roof. We can also recommend long-term solutions like improved attic insulation and ventilation.
How much does snow removal cost?
No, you don’t need to be present. Many of our clients, including snowbirds and property managers, schedule removal remotely. We’ll coordinate access details with you beforehand, document our work with photos, and contact you when the job is complete. For emergency situations, we can often begin work immediately with verbal authorization over the phone.
Do I need to be home during the snow removal?
Pricing depends on several factors: roof size and pitch, accessibility, snow depth, and whether ice dams are present. Residential jobs typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Commercial projects vary more widely based on building size and complexity. We provide free estimates and can set up seasonal contracts for properties that need regular monitoring and removal throughout winter.
Can you help if my roof has already been damaged by snow or ice?
Absolutely. As a full-service roofing contractor with over 50 years of experience, we can assess damage, make emergency repairs to prevent further water intrusion, and handle complete restoration if needed. We work with insurance companies regularly and can help document damage for your claim.
What's the difference between your service and hiring someone with a shovel?
Professional snow removal requires proper safety equipment, fall protection, and knowledge of roofing systems. Inexperienced workers risk serious injury from falls and can easily damage your roof with improper techniques. We carry full insurance, use OSHA-compliant safety practices, and our crews understand how different roofing materials should be handled. The cost difference is minimal compared to the risk of injury or roof damage from unqualified workers.
How do I know if my building is at risk for collapse?
Watch for warning signs like sagging ceilings, cracking sounds, doors that stick, or visible bowing in the roof structure. Buildings with flat roofs, large spans without interior supports, older construction, or areas where snow drifts accumulate (like lower roofs adjacent to taller sections) are at higher risk. If you notice any warning signs, evacuate the building and call us immediately—don’t wait to see if it gets worse.
Do you offer seasonal contracts or monitoring programs?
Yes, we offer winter maintenance programs that include regular monitoring and removal as needed throughout the season. Program members receive priority scheduling during storms and often save money compared to calling for individual service visits. Contact us in fall to set up a program before winter weather arrives.
Protect Your Property Today
Don’t wait for a winter emergency to find out if your roof can handle the weight.
Contact Butcher & Butcher Construction today for a consultation or to schedule snow removal services.
Contact Butcher & Butcher Construction today for a consultation or to schedule snow removal services.