How to Shovel Snow Off a Roof
1) Purchase one of the tools designed to shovel snow off a roof. They include a snow rake, roof razor rake or a snow cutter.
2) Create a path around your house by repeatedly retracing your steps until you've created a flat surface. Make sure that your path will support your body weight by filling any holes with enough snow to make a solid, flat path.
3) Use a snow rake to shovel the easy snow off the roof first. Avoid removing more snow than you will be able to shovel when it's on the ground.
4) Keep a protective coating of snow on your roof to prevent damaging the roof's surface.
5) Shovel snow off your roof over time by removing several small sections each day.
6) Consider using a snow cutter if you need to shovel deep crusts, icy or heavy snow. Used the same way as a snow rake, a snow cutter removes snow in sections. Because you don't have to climb onto your roof to shovel off snow, a snow cutter is easier and safer to operate.
7) Try using a roof razor's double cutting surface to shovel snow off your roof. One section remains on the roof's edge until you remove all the easy-to-reach snow. Push the head of the razor rake up and into the snow to force it to the ground. Use roof razors if you are shoveling snow off a steep pitched roof.
8) ANOTHER TIP TO HELP ICE DAMS - Fill panty hose with Ice Melt and lay it on roof at a 12 to 6 clock position. It takes approx 8-12 hours but it will open up a channel releasing any pent up water and keep it open for quiet a while. Of course, this is only in an emergency basis. Please check with manufacturer prior to using.
Tips & Warnings
- Snow rakes must be assembled.
- Purchase multiple snow rake kits if you need an extra long rake.
- Exercise caution when standing on your roof.
- Extending a roof razor's pole also will extend your reach.
- Have someone at ground level "spot" you while you are on the roof.
- Avoid stepping on a snow covered roof
- Never chip or pick at any ice on the roof as you will damage your shingles
