Snow Roof Rakes To Clear Your Roof

How To Use A Snow Roof Rake Safely

Raking the snow off a roof can be both physically straining and potentially hazardous. While the process is normally helped along by gravity and the weather, removing snow from a roof is not as uncomplicated as removing snow from a walkway. A pitched roof will prevent too much snow collecting, providing that the snowfall is not constant over a long period of time, but means that home-owners will have to get the job done manually rather than use Power tools.

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Types Of Roof Rakes

Snow Roof Rakes To Clear Your Roof

Roof rakes are normally manufactured out of plastic or aluminum, and the rake part is attached at the end of a pole. Aluminum is tougher than plastic and is therefore a more long-lasting option. The poles can normally expand to increase the reach but remember that pitched roofs are not safe and you should all the time do the work from the relative safety of a step ladder. You may be able to use a extra de-icer to help with the task, especially if ice has collected. The main thing to keep in mind is that you can only reach what you can reach: what snow cannot be reMoved using the extending rake should be left in place.

Essential safety Precautions When Removing Snow Off The Roof

There are a few things that you should never, ever attempt when you are raking the snow off your roof.

- Firstly, you should never step on to the roof to rake the snow off. This is an ideal method for disaster what with the pitched roof, height and a icy exterior to boot. Do not even be tempted: if you cannot reach a patch of snow from the safety of the ladder, leave it be. Warmer weather will take care of it in time.

- Do not thump, chop or hack at the snow: it will not make the job at hand quicker and easier, and instead you may damage your roof

- Check that the ladder you use is firmly resting on the ground and is adequately stabilized, so there is no risk of it falling over while you're on it clearing the roof

Other Ways To Clear The Snow

It is possible to do away with the exhausting chore that is roof raking with a bit of advance planning. You can now install a extra de-icing cable on the roof and in the gutters to take care of this job for you: you can switch it on or off from the relax and warmth of your home, and get it to do the work safely.

Snow Roof Rakes To Clear Your Roof

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