Should I Rake My Roof

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.

Should i rake my roof.

For the record a metal roof tends to shed water snow and ice better than a roof with asphalt shingles. It helps to leave the bottom most layer of snow on the roof as this protects the shingles from damage by the snow rake. However you should make sure the ground isn t slippery and that you have the upper body strength to handle the rake and pull off the snow. Roof rake boards are installed in different widths based on the surface being covered.

Just the excess that threatens the load bearing capacity of the roof. In addition roof raking often isn t particularly effective at removing wet heavy or hardened snow from your roof. Rake a little snow each day. 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.

It s also difficult to use a roof rake to clear the snow out of your roof valleys because the rake is flat and the surface is angular. It will do no good will not cure ice dams is extremely hazardous and can harm asphalt shingles and in your case slate. I ve always used 6 inches as the rule of thumb. You don t have to get all the snow.

Roof rakes cost between 60 and 180 depending on the type you use. Snowstorms in the southeast are more unusual but tend to be wetter. Choose a roof rake with small rollers bumpers or wheels near the blade of the rake. If you do a little bit each day you won t have to worry about it accumulating.

By the time. That s not feasible for most people though. Well in a perfect world you d get out there with your roof rake every time you get any snow at all. Here are some things for you to consider to help you.

Heavy wet snow weighs up to 21 lbs per square foot whereas light fluffy snow can weigh just 3 lbs per square foot. You can buy a roof rake or make your own snow removal tool. Leave a few inches of snow on the roof and slide the rake over the snow. Now add ice snow wind and maybe some sleet to the situation.

Working on your roof is hard enough in the best conditions. The most popular option is to use a snow rake. Typical roofs can withstand up to 20 lbs of snow per square foot. The safest way to clean snow from your roof is with a snow rake a long pole with a flat piece of aluminum attached to the end.

Never never use a roof rake or try to shovel snow off a slanted roof.