Best Roof Raking Techniques for Removing Snow on a Roof

The winter is realizing its promise to be brutal, cold, and snowy for a good portion of the country. And some parts of the country have already experienced record snowfalls.

Did you know that, one cubic foot of wet snow can weigh between 12 and 18 pounds (according to Boston Magazine). An abundance of snow on your roof can lead to structural damage for your home or business.

This makes removing rooftop snow a significant concern for many homeowners and business owners across the country. Raking your roof helps prevent ice dams from forming as the snow begins to melt, allows for more efficient ventilation, and allows you to feel confident that your home is structurally protects from the weight of the snow.

The tips below will help you get more mileage from your efforts when raking your roof this winter.

Buy the Right Rake for Your Roof
When buying a roof rake, it is better to purchase a quality rake that will safeguard and protect your shingles while removing the snow at the same time. Invest in a quality rake rather than purchasing the cheapest solution. You especially want to make sure your roof rake has the rollers on wheels that will keep it elevated to prevent the rake from scraping your shingles.

Begin at the Edge
You want to begin raking near the edge of your roof and work your way up higher on the roof. This makes the work of removing the snow a little less back breaking for you.

Know When to Rake
A good general rule of thumb is that you should rake after every six inches of snow builds up on your roof. Not only will this help to spare the structure of your home from the strain of heavy snowfalls, but it will also aid in preventing the formation of ice dams.

Rake from the Ground
While it may be tempting to climb a ladder to rake your roof, it simply isn’t safe. Not only will the ladder itself become a risk for developing icy rungs and ice dams, but your boots will become hazards too. Raking from the ground removes the risk of falling off a ladder while allowing you the opportunity to remove the snow that’s weighing heavily on your roof.

Protect the structure of your home this winter by raking your roof to remove heavy snow and using an attic fan to remove moisture and condensation and to assist to prevent ice dams from forming. Little actions like these, can help keep your roof in good shape no matter how much Mother Nature throws your way this winter.