Removing Snow From Roof Safely

The temptation may be to scrape all the snow off your roof.

Removing snow from roof safely.

Use our tips to safely remove snow from your roof. Anyone who has lived in an area that gets a lot of snow knows that removing icy pile up from your house s roof is just part of life. The danger of leaving snow alone. This way you remove some of the weight on the roof leaving enough snow that you re not marring your roof covering.

Use plastic roof snow removal. Instead shave the amount of snow on your roof down to two or three inches. If you prevent too much snow from piling up on your roof it s much harder for ice dams to form and you can certainly stop worrying about any sort of roof cave in. A roof rake lets you stay firmly on the ground and pull the snow down.

It can cause a lot of damage to your roof decking or the protective granules. You can stand on the ground and use the tool with a pole extension to reach the edge of most two story homes. Do dispose of removed snow in designated areas. For gable and sloped roofs remove snow beginning at the ridge and moving toward the eave.

Next remove snow from the center portion of the roof. Do not do this. Prevent unbalanced snow loading by removing snow in the direction of the primary structural elements. Of course it all depends.

Use a roof rake. A good rule of thumb is to get your roof cleared after every 6 inches of snowfall. Even roofs with a healthy slope can accumulate snow and ice and this added weight and water puts a strain on your roof. However you should make sure the ground isn t slippery and that you have the upper body strength to handle the rake and pull off the snow.

Remove snow without going on the roof whenever possible use methods to clear ice and snow without workers going on the roof. Use ladders to apply de icing materials. I ve seen ice dams form with only a dusting of snow on the roof. Start by removing drifted snow at parapets elevation changes and around equipment.

Do remove snow in the direction of the primary structural elements on the roof to prevent unbalanced snow loading. The safest way a homeowner can remove snow from a roof is with a roof rake. The main danger lies in the fact that snow is heavy and the weight of it can cause some serious damage. Don t stockpile snow on the roof.