Before you attempt to remove the snow accumulated on your roof, you need to take a few precautions. A roof rake will help you get the job done safely and efficiently.
How To Use A Snow Roof Rake Safely
Raking the snow off a roof can be both physically straining and potentially hazardous. While the process is usually helped along by gravity and the weather, removing snow from a roof is not as straightforward as removing snow from a walkway. A pitched roof will prevent too much snow collecting, providing that the snowfall is not constant over a long period of time, but means that home-owners will have to get the job done manually rather than use power tools.
Types Of Roof Rakes
Roof rakes are usually manufactured out of plastic or aluminum, and the rake part is attached at the end of a pole. Aluminum is tougher than plastic and is therefore a more long-lasting option. The poles can usually extend to increase the reach but remember that pitched roofs are not safe and you should always do the work from the relative safety of a step ladder. You may be able to use a special de-icer to help with the task, especially if ice has collected. The main thing to keep in mind is that you can only reach what you can reach: what snow cannot be removed using the extending rake should be left in place.
Essential Safety Precautions When Removing Snow Off The Roof
There are a few things that you should never, ever attempt when you are raking the snow off your roof.
- Firstly, you should never step on to the roof to rake the snow off. This is an ideal recipe for disaster what with the pitched roof, height and a icy surface to boot. Do not even be tempted: if you cannot reach a patch of snow from the safety of the ladder, leave it be. Warmer weather will take care of it in time.
Do not thump, chop or hack at the snow: it will not make the job at hand quicker and easier, and instead you may damage your roof
- Check that the ladder you use is firmly resting on the ground and is adequately stabilized, so there is no risk of it falling over while you’re on it clearing the roof
Other Ways To Clear The Snow
It is possible to do away with the exhausting chore that is roof raking with a bit of advance planning. You can now install a special de-icing cable on the roof and in the gutters to take care of this job for you: you can switch it on or off from the comfort and warmth of your home, and get it to do the work safely.
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