As we explained in our last blog post, removing snow from your roof is often necessary after a snowstorm. However, improper snow removal can cause significant damage to your roof. You can also seriously hurt yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing or use the wrong tools. Roofing companies in Manchester, like Derek Cook’s Roofing Specialists, offer snow removal services to protect your home in the winter. Homeowners can remove snow from their roofs themselves, but safety should always come first.
Roofing companies in Manchester have the tools and expertise to safely remove snow from your roof. Use these safe removal techniques to protect yourself and your roof.
Why Roof Snow Removal Can Be Dangerous
Climbing on your roof is risky when the weather is warm and dry. Add ice and snow into the mix, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to hurt yourself. Even if you stay on the ground, if you use the wrong tools to remove snow from your roof, you can damage the shingles, flashing, and gutters. Removing snow unevenly can also put stress on the structure, leading to future damage.
Safe Tools for Roof Snow Removal
The first step of safe snow removal is to use the right tools. Never use shovels, axes, or ice chippers. All these tools can damage your roof, breaking shingles or scratching metal roofing. You should also avoid using pressure washers. Blasting water at your roof may remove the snow, but it will leave your roof wet, and that water will freeze. The point of removing snow from your roof is to avoid ice dams, and a pressure washer will have the opposite effect. It can also remove granules from your shingles or knock shingles off your roof. The best tool to use is a roof rake with a telescoping handle. If you use ice melt products, ensure they are roof-safe.
Best Practices for DIY Snow Removal
If you’re going to do your own snow removal, it’s important to do it properly. Always work from the ground. You may not be able to reach your entire roof, but you can clear a significant amount of snow if your roof rake has a telescoping handle. Remove snow in layers rather than trying to clear the entire depth at once. Trying to remove too much snow at once can cause a minor avalanche. Even when removing snow in layers, there’s a risk of falling snow. Keep spectators and pets out of the way. Clear the snow evenly to avoid structural stress, and leave a thin layer of snow on the roof so you don’t scrape the shingles with the blade of your roof rake.
What NOT to Do
The “dos” are one thing, but we can’t forget about the “don’ts.” Here’s what not to do while removing snow from the roof:
- Climb onto an icy roof
- Remove snow near edges aggressively
- Break ice dams with sharp tools
- Ignore the warning signs of roof stress
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Snow Removal from Roofing Companies in Manchester
In some circumstances, it’s better to call professional roofing companies in Manchester to handle snow removal. If your roof pitch is very steep or you have a multi-level roof, it’s best left to the pros. Heavy, wet snow, recurring ice dams, or prior roof damage can complicate snow removal, making professional roofers better equipped to handle it. If you need professional snow removal for your roof, contact Derek Cook’s Roofing Specialists for more information about our services.
