BLOG NUMBER 26.71
Playing in the snow gives the impression that snow is light and fluffy. Having snowball fights, creating snowmen, and carving snow angels are enjoyable activities to do during winter storms. But when snow builds up on your roof, it becomes dangerous and heavy, making the use of a snow removal tool essential. In addition to learning how to winterize your house, homeowners in snowy climates also need to know how to remove snow from roofs.
A surplus of snow on the roof can accumulate to dangerously high levels and cause damaging ice dams. Using a snow removal tool, such as a roof rake, becomes essential in such situations. These basic tools, which consist of an extended handle and a blade, let you clear snow off your roof whilst keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground.
It’s not meant for gravel or leaves. Four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or one inch of ice are all acceptable conditions for an ordinary roof. You do not need to clear the snow off your roof if there are only a few inches of snow on it, it is not leaking, and your gutters are in good working order. But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to safely remove snow from your roof, here are the top three options for quality roof rakes available on the market today.
1. Garant GPRR24 Yukon 24-Inch Poly Blade Snow Roof Rake
With the 24-inch wide U-shaped blade on this snow rake, you can easily clear several feet of snow from your roof. The rake also features a lightweight aluminum handle for optimal comfort and an anti-slip grip.
Main Elements
- Possesses a 24-inch polypropylene blade.
- Has an aluminum handle that can reach up to fifteen feet.
- 4.2 pounds in weight
Consumers expressed satisfaction with the rake’s portability; one even reported that she could now clear her roof on her own without assistance. Despite the pole and head flexing under excessive weight, customers say that the rake is still capable of finishing the task.
2. Garelick 89421 21-Foot Aluminum Snow Roof Rake
This particular aluminum roof rake should reach a lot of two-story houses and the majority of single-story dwellings. With a 24-inch-wide aluminum blade, this lightweight instrument is both strong and manageable, weighing less than 6 pounds. This tool, like the majority of snow rakes, is made to remove the snow from the roof while the user stands on the ground.
The rollers on this tool are a key feature; they keep the blade above the surface of the roof, shielding the shingles from scrape damage. The blade of this rake never comes into contact with the roof. You can easily advance the blade up the roof, thanks to the rollers. Additionally, you can easily disassemble the rake into its three components and store it until you need it again. Note: This rake may not remove all of the snow from solar panels due to the rollers.
Main Elements
- Weight: 5.75 pounds
- Handle length: 21 feet
- Blade width: 24 inches
- Blade material: Aluminum
3. SnowPeeler Premium Roof Rake
The SnowPeeler Premium is a slicer-style roof rake. With a pushing stroke, it removes snow and has a trailing sheet to keep gutters safe. With a length of 30 feet, the SnowPeeler Premium is among the longest rakes on the market.
Main Elements
- You can utilize it immediately on the rooftop or from the ground
- SnowPeeler has a longer handle (30 feet)
- Features a curved handle adaptor that makes it useful in both compacted and fresh snow
When Should You Use a Snow Removal Tool?
To tell if the snow is too heavy for your roof, look for these signs:
- Ceiling boards that are falling out of the ceiling grid and sagging ceiling tiles or boards
- Noises that pop, snap, and creak
- Elements of the roof that are drooping, such as plywood sheathing or metal decking
- Windows and/or doors that are unable to open or close
- Masonry or wall cracking
- Very bad roof leaks
Dams Made of Ice
Your roof needs to be cleared of snow when you see ice dams. When snow melts at the base of your roof, it refreezes and eventually runs off the edge, causing ice dams. The accumulation of ice then prevents more melted snow from draining, which causes large roof leaks. While inadequate attic ventilation and insulation contribute to ice damming, clearing the snow from your roof can halt leaks and accelerate the melting of ice. To ensure that your ice dams don’t recur, you must treat their underlying cause.
When to Get Help from a Professional
It’s time to hire a snow expert if you are unable to securely remove the snow from your roof. In the snow, never use a ladder or climb onto a roof. Skilled snow removal firms safeguard both your property and themselves by using the appropriate safety gear. The height, pitch, and snow depth of your roof all affect how much this service will cost. You should also contact a snow expert professional if you notice leaks or structural problems.
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