Roof Rake
Roofers have an entire vocabulary related to roof repairs and installation. A question we are frequently asked is, “What is a roof rake?” There are a couple definitions that apply, and about the only thing they have in common is being associated with a roof. The first definition indicates the inclined edge of the roof’s slope over the wall, not the part of the roof with the eave where the water drains off. The second describes a tool that is used to remove snow and debris from the roof. You may wonder why you would need to rake your roof.
Removing snow from a roof is not as easy as it sounds. If you have a metal roof, the snow will pretty much slide right off like an avalanche tumbling down a mountain. If you have an asphalt roof it gets tricky. You absolutely do not want to gouge the shingles with a snow shovel or you are asking for a roof leak to happen. Investing in a roof rake is an act of kindness toward your roof. You can normally pick one up at your local hardware store. Sometimes you can get a kit which you assemble at home. The tool is designed to scrape the snow and ice off your roof without jamming sharp point into it, while standing on the ground.
Make sure you plan ahead of time where you want the snow to land once you begin to pull it off theroof. It’s a lot easier to guide it down from the roof than to shovel a pile of it on the ground. Don’t let it fall where it blocks a doorway or the driveway. Start by raking the easiest sections – the ones that slide off easily. Be very careful when working. You should pack down a solid path around the house before you start to make sure you don’t fall into any holes.
You don’t have to use your roof rake to remove all the snow in one day. Do a little at a time and only pull off what you know you can shovel away from the house. Use good gloves. The rake handle will wear out thin gloves very quickly. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call us. We will inspect your home for potential water damage caused by ice dams.
To find out more information on where you can purchase a roof rake click here.
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