5 Essential Roof Raking Tips
When the winter season hits, most homeowners begin preparing for the cold temperatures by layering on extra blankets and using space heaters to keep warm. But an often-overlooked yet vital step of winter preparation is roof raking – a task that can make all the difference in preserving your home’s structure and ensuring it stays safe from potential threats associated with snow.
Raking off excess roof snow can not only prevents damaging ice dams but also reduces the possibility of collapse due to too much weight load accumulation (excess weight). And while it’s important to complete this task before heavy snow arrives, safety should always come first when dealing with icy conditions and snow removal. To make things simpler, here are five essential tips to make your roof raking much easier and safer!
1) What is roof raking?
It is the process of snow removal from a roof by using a tool called a roof rake to pull snow off. You basically pull the snow off using a roof rake. It’s important to remove snow before it melts because otherwise the water can seep into the roofing materials and could cause damage. Heavy or wet snow can also cause damage to your roof. Roof raking can be dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions, such as using a long enough roof rake to reach the roof and dressing appropriately.
You do not have to rake the entire roof or make your roof snow free. The purpose is to remove snow using a roof rake to help prevent damage. You do not have to clear packed snow, ice dams, gutters, or snow in the roof valleys.
Be careful not to damage the shingles, skylights, or the house in general when removing snow with a roof rake. Most roof rakes have a ply blade to help prevent damage to shingles, gutters, skylights etc.
2) The benefits of roof raking
Regular use of a roof rake is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the health of your roof and home. By removing the buildup of roof snow which can lead to ice dams you can prevent further damage that can lead to leaks, rotting, and other serious problems.
Raking your roof also helps reduce snow accumulation on your roof. Excess roof snow adds weight which at a certain point can become a serious problem.
3) How to rake your roof safely
When removing snow, it is important to be safe. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while using a roof rake:
- Do not use roof rakes when it is icy or slippery.
- Watch out for overhead power lines, be extremely careful around them.
- Extension poles for roof rakes can be made of aluminum which conducts electricity
- Wear snow boots with good traction so that you don’t slip.
- Wear a good winter coat with a hood to keep snow from getting down your neck
- Do not to damage the shingles or roofing material when using roof rakes.
- Using a roof rake requires physical strength, so take regular breaks
Raking your roof can be a dangerous task if you’re not careful. By following these tips, you can stay safe while raking your roof and avoid any potential injuries.
4) When to rake
It’s best to rake after the snow has fallen, but not during a snowstorm. Tackling the task when there’s an accumulation of snow can help prevent an ice dam, which forms when the heat from your home melts and refreezes the snow on your roof. The best time to rake is usually in the afternoon during the warmest part of the day.
If you have a gutter system, be careful not to pull them off when you clear snow.
5) What tool to use for roof raking
The most common tool is a roof rake, which can be long and telescoping. They are designed to be used from the ground so you don’t need to get on a ladder to remove snow from your roof.
5) Ice Dam Prevention
An ice dam can be a real problem for homeowners during the winter months. Here are five tips for preventing them:
- Make sure your attic is properly insulated. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent ice dams.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris so that melting snow and ice can drain off properly.
- Install heat tape or other heating devices along the edge of your roof to help melt the snow and ice.
- Monitor the weather conditions and keep an eye on your roof to make sure it’s not accumulating too much snow and ice.
- If an ice dam does form, try to remove it as gently as possible and try not to cause any damage to your home. Also, try to get this done before more snow comes.
The Roof Rake
They come with adjustable poles usually with a poly blade (rake head) and look like a big rake with a long pole. The purpose of the longer poles is that you can do snow removal from the ground, it increases the roof rakes range. They are relatively light because they are made with a poly blade (rake head) and aluminum or fiberglass telescoping pole.
Raking your roof is an important activity to do in the winter to prevent ice dams from forming in the winter season. It is a simple process that anyone can do and only takes a few minutes. Raking your roof regularly will save you time and money in the long run by preventing serious damage to your home. By following these safety tips, you can use a roof rake safely and effectively. Remember to take regular breaks from using the rake as it can be a physically demanding task. Additionally, keep in mind that it is best to use the rake after the snow has fallen, but not during a snowstorm. With proper use and maintenance of your roof rake, you can ensure that your roof is safe and protected this winter.
