How to Remove Snow From a Rubber Flat Roof Top
A coating of snow on a roof top is beautiful to look at. However, when it becomes more than a few inches, it can be dangerous, especially if it's on a rubber flat top roof. As the snow accumulates, it adds weight which can eventually cause the roof to cave in. Removing the snow is crucial to keep this from happening.
Items Needed:
- extension ladder
- snow shovel
- push broom
- rock salt
- Look for a spot near the house to put the ladder. Use the snow shovel to clear the spot where the ladder will be set up. This space should be twice the width of the ladder in all directions. The cleared area should be as level as possible. Spread the rock salt on the ground that has been cleared. It will finish melting the remaining snow.
- Set up the extension ladder so that the top three rungs extend above the roof's edge. Make sure that it is firmly planted on the ground where it has been placed, so that it will not slip.
- Carefully climb the ladder. It is best to have someone holding onto the ladder while it is being climbed. This will add an extra measure of safety that should keep the climber from falling and the ladder from shifting.
- Take the snow shovel, and begin to scoop off the snow. A snow shovel is designed to move the snow without digging deep into any one area which could damage the roof. Start with the area next to the ladder. This will avoid packing the snow down while walking on it, which will make it harder to remove.
- Carefully toss the shoveled snow over the side of the roof. Do not continually throw it in the same spot on the ground. Disburse it across a wide area. When a small section has been cleared, look for the seams in the roofing. Shovel parallel to the seams to prevent tears which may cause the roof to leak.
- Continue until the entire roof has been cleared. Take the push broom and gently remove any of the remaining snow if possible. Avoid pushing it into the seams as you sweep. When finished, carefully go back down the ladder while someone holds onto it from the ground. The roof will now be safe until the next big snow storm hits.