How to Remove Snow From a Roof
A white winter storm is a beautiful event, but the weight of the snow on the roof of a house can be disastrous. Snow can lead to leaks in the ceiling of a home. If left on the roof, the snow may eventually cause the roof to collapse under the pressure. Snow is easily removed from a roof, creating a safer environment.
What You'll Need:
- Snow rake
- Ladder
- Non-slip shoes
- Purchase a snow rake at a home improvement store. These types of rakes consist of a long handle with a flat piece of aluminum attached at the end. They come in various shapes and sizes, but a 16-foot rake will work the best. A snow rake can also be made at home by welding a flat piece of aluminum to a long pole at a 90-degree angle.
- Put on a pair of non-slip shoes. Snow and ice covered grounds are very slippery, and these shoes will prevent you from falling down.
- Rake the first foot of snow off the edges of the roof. Walk around the perimeter and pull off the first layer in long, straight strokes. Pull the snow off from the inside to the edge. Do not stand directly underneath the area that is being raked, to avoid being covered in snow. Keep the rake on the roof after each stroke to save both time and energy.
- Stand on the ladder to reach the inner layers of snow and hard to reach places. Have someone else spot the ladder to make sure it does not slip while in use. Avoid dragging the rake forcefully across the shingles, as this may cause damage. Not every snowflake needs to be removed, just the heavy areas.
- Move all snow away from the house. As the snow melts, it may cause a foundation leak. It is important to keep it as far away from the home as possible.