How to roof rake snow safely.
Snow rake roof damage.
Wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds per square foot according to the federal emergency management agency fema.
Additions like wheels can keep the blade of the rake from ever touching the roof and the choice of blade material plastic over metal can also help.
The problem is even the best roof rake itself can create a significant amount of damage to the shingles or tiles on your roof if you use it improperly.
Try not to slam the rake down on the roof or pull too violently on it to free snow.
Take the roof rake tour and avoid.
Here are a few tips to help minimize this risk.
The avalanche roof rake is by far our favorite.
Roof rakes are designed to minimize roof damage but you should still be careful when using them.
The snow effortlessly falls down the slide to the ground.
If the ice dams are already there try to remove as much snow as possible from the area of the roof behind the ice dam at least 4 6 feet.
Wheels built into snowrake head help prevent roof damage.
Ice dams the melting and refreezing of snow can cause ice dams which allow water to become trapped on your roof with nowhere to drain but through your roofing into your home.
Keeping 4 to 5 feet of your roof edge clear of snow helps prevent icedams.
Snow loading the average weight of 1 foot of compacted snow is 30 pounds.
The rake is lightweight ergonomic designed with wheels to protect the shingles.
The heavier the snow the greater the risk of structural damage to roofs.
Avalanche s snowrake helps you prevent ice dams by keeping snow off the edges of your roof.
It will do no good will not cure ice dams is extremely hazardous and can harm asphalt shingles and in your case slate.
For this reason i believe that choosing the right roof rake for yourself is not only necessary but a vital step in rooftop snow removal.
Puncturing a shingle or two while removing snow is not uncommon but it can be avoided.
Always keep it as close to the top of the snow pile as possible away from the surface.
With a smart design it cuts and removes tons of snow fast effective and in a neat way without damaging the shingles.
A roof rake is not a rake as in what you d use in fall but rake refers to the pulling or raking process involved in pulling the snow off the roof versus a shovel which you push.
Our soft snow removal roof rake tools are non abrasive and specifically designed to not damage the surfaces you are using them on.
These professional tools are made in america from specially treated hard durable polyethylene foam rugged enough to tackle snow and soft enough to not harm your shingles awnings or vehicles or solar panels.
You may even cause damage to a roof by not using a roof rake properly.
Never place the roof rake directly on the rooftop.