
Water Damage Repair Prevention Tips: Roof Shoveling

Sam Simon
February 25, 2014Chicago Water Damage Repair from ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
As residents of the Chicago area, we are no strangers to snow. A snow-capped roof can create the perfect winter scene, but danger lurks underneath those fluffy layers. If the snowy threat of
water damage
becomes a reality, call the experts at
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
for
water damage repair
in Chicago, IL.
Most likely, there is a layer of ice in that mass of white snow sitting atop your roof. You could wait until nature melts all of the snow and ice off your roof on its own, but you might be waiting for quite a while. You may also experience unexpected problems, like water seepage, destroyed insulation, hastened roof rot, and extensive structural and interior
water damage
. Water damage may weaken your structure and eventually cause your roof to collapse.
You’ve probably seen residents on their rooftops shoveling down snow. This is a low-cost option to prevent the buildup of snow and ice, but it must be performed with extreme caution. There are a few factors to consider before setting foot on your rooftop. Take into account the slope (pitch) of your roof: a steeply sloped roof should be approached with extra caution. Also, know what type of material your roof is made of. Snow and ice will slide down a metal roof much easier, but then again, so will you. Regardless of what method you use, please use extreme caution when removing snow from your roof.
Below are a few tips for safely shoveling your roof:
• Use safety lines for optimal safety and to ease potential falls
• Shovel downward to prevent damage to shingles and roofing
• Be aware of where vents and other openings in your roof are located
• Stay clear of icy patches and ice dams near the edge of the roof
• Be aware of what falling snow will land on (such as people, pets, and landscaping)
• NEVER shovel your roof by yourself; always have a spotter
If
water damage
has made itself known in your home, call the expert technicians of
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
. We can safely and effectively remove the water from your home, as well as offer you specialty restoration services, such as
art, document, and electronic restoration
, to help you save the more precious and irreplaceable items in your home.
Even the most well-maintained roofs can be susceptible to winter storm damage, causing
water damage
inside your Chicago home. When that occurs,
call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons
. Our emergency response team is ready to take your call 24/7/365 to help you with all your
water damage repair
needs.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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