What is a roof rake?
A roof rake is an implement mounted on a long pole that can be used to gently push and pull snow off a roof. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a roof rake is designed to remove snow from a roof without causing damage to shingles, eaves or gutters.
Do you need a rake to remove snow from your roof?
Removing snow from your roof without a rake can be risky and dangerous. It is recommended that those who have roofs with a flat or low slope remove snow with a rake to prevent heavy buildup and potential roof cave-ins.
Can I use a roof rake on a steep slate roof?
I have a relatively steep-pitched slate roof colonial. A. Never, never use a roof rake or try to shovel snow off a slanted roof. It will do no good, will not cure ice dams, is extremely hazardous, and can harm asphalt shingles, and in your case, slate shingles.
How far back should a roof rake be used?
When using a roof rake you typically stand as far back on the ground so you can see where you’re working. For example on a typical one story I stand about 6 feet back but on a second story you’ll need to stand 18’ or so back. Terrain has a lot to do with it to a house up on a hill you’ll need more length.
Do roof rakes cause ice dams?
THE CURE BECOMES THE CAUSE! best results when all of the snow can be removed from the roof. Only removing a portion of the snow can create problems further up - beyond any ice water barrier underlayments.
Is a roof rake a good idea?
Never, never use a roof rake or try to shovel snow off a slanted roof. It will do no good, will not cure ice dams, is extremely hazardous, and can harm asphalt shingles, and in your case, slate shingles. And it will take away snow that is a natural insulator as long as it stays on your house.
Why do I need a roof rake?
A roof rake is an implement mounted on a long pole that can be used to gently push and pull snow off a roof. When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, a roof rake is designed to remove snow from a roof without causing damage to shingles, eaves or gutters.
When should you rake the snow off your roof?
If your main goal is to prevent ice dams, you should clear your roof after about every 6'' of snowfall. But if your main concern is a roof collapse, then raking your roof after every 12'' or more of snowfall should be adequate.
Are roof rakes bad for your roof?
Remember, those ice dams will typically occur near the base of the rooftop, especially on overhangs or areas where icicles are forming. Avoid raking over skylights. Water will usually melt off of these fairly easily, and a roof rake may scratch or damage your skylight.
Are roof rakes bad?
You can cause more damage There is the probability of over-estimating the snows thickness. As a result, you may damage the slated shingles or worse, you could do more damage by raking too much snow towards a weak spot such as a rotting section of the roof.
Should I remove snow from around my house?
Indeed, keeping snow away from the perimeter of your house is one of the best things you can do to prevent foundation damage. When snow melts, the water has to go somewhere. If snow is built up around your house, the water may seep into any existing cracks in your foundation, leading to basement flooding.
Does snow on roof act as an insulator?
Unmelted Snow May Act Like an Insulating Blanket After all, it's not allowing heat to escape. Plus, a light, fluffy snow is made up of ice crystals suspended in pockets of air—that's the same composition of fiberglass insulation, except glass instead of ice.
Should you roof rake a metal roof?
It's safe and effective to use a roof rake on a metal roof. For best results, use a snow rake with large wheels built into the bottom edge of the rake. This way, the rake rolls across the roof as you pull snow off. This prevents the bottom of the rake from scraping against the roof material.
Do roof rakes prevent ice dams?
Using a long-handled roof rake to removing the snow from at least at lower 4 feet of roof edge can help prevent ice dams from forming. This is the only safe way to remove snow from a roof; never get onto a roof to remove snow in the winter.
How much snow should I remove from my roof?
6”The quick answer to when to remove snow from your roof… According to most roof warranties, snow should be shoveled off roofs before it reaches a depth of 2'; however, local snow removal companies may suggest sticking to the 6” depth to help prevent ice dams.
Can snow collapse a roof?
But did you know that heavy loads of snow can cause your roof to collapse? As snow builds up, the weight exerts pressure on your roof. When the weight of the snow exceeds the carrying capacity of the roof, it collapses.
What is the difference between rake and fascia?
The bottom border of a roof is known as the eaves (often overhanging beyond the edge of the house). Fascia: A ornamental board that extends down from the roof edge at the eave or the rake. Rake: The slanted edge of a gable roof at the house's end wall. The distance between these edges is called the rake of the gable.
What is the difference between gable and rake?
Gable: The A-shaped side wall of the home that forms the peak of the roof is called the Gable. The home above has two gables, one on each end of the home. Rake: The rake of the roof is the part that ends over a gable end.
Is gable same as rake?
Also known as rake trim, gable trim is a finishing piece of metal flashing used along the edges of a metal roof line where the edge of the metal roof panel meets the endwall panels.
What is the difference between drip edge and rake edge?
So, the drip edge attracts the rain droplets, snow, all types of precipitation into the eavestroughs, and away from the rest of the roof. Rake edges, on the other hand, are placed along the ends of the gables of a house's roof.
Can you use a roof rake in the winter?
Roof rakes have extension poles so you can reach the roof. Don’t use a ladder. They are really unsafe in the winter and it is easy to slip off of them if ice builds up on the rungs or your boots.
Can you use a snowblower on a roof?
Be careful. Don’t fall. And don’ use a snowblower up there, no matter how tempted you may be. You don’t want to add any more weight to your roof.
Does Weather Vane rake roofs?
Below are our recommendations for proper roof raking. However, Weather Vane also offers snow removal on roofs throughout the winter if you prefer to have a professional tackle this wintery task. Call us today to set up the service and we will come out whenever it is necessary.
Why is a roof rake important?
The heavier the snow, the greater the risk of structural damage to roofs. That’s why the roof rake can be an important piece of equipment in winter. This tool enables you to remove snow from the roof while remaining firmly and safely on the ground. Keep reading to learn about the different features to look for in a roof rake, ...
How long should a roof rake be?
Pole Length: Most roof rakes come with adjustable poles that can be lengthened from 14 to 22 feet for snow removal and shortened to less than eight feet for storage. The longer the pole, the higher you’ll be able to reach on the roof, but longer poles can also be unwieldy and may require more physical strength to lift and maneuver.
How far does a true temper roof rake extend?
The push-button telescoping design on this True Temper roof rake will extend the pole up to 17 feet for easily reaching one-story roofs—and, when the job is complete, collapse it to just about 7 feet for storage. If your home maintenance regularly requires removing substantial snow deposits, you’ll appreciate that the lightweight aluminum True Temper is easy to lift and comfortable to maneuver thanks to its nonslip handle. Plus, this rake is effective at pulling down deep snow accumulations in a single draw thanks to its 24-inch-wide poly blade.
How much does a roof rake weigh?
Weight: Roof rakes range in weight between four and 14 pounds, with most of the weight in the rake head. The heavier the rake head, the more likely it is to sink deeply into the snow on the roof, allowing you to remove a good amount with each pull. On the flip side, heavy roof rakes require more physical strength to lift and position.
What is the best material for a roof rake?
On the flip side, heavy roof rakes require more physical strength to lift and position. Materials: Because it’s strong and lightweight, aluminum is the material of choice for roof rake poles, while rake heads are made from aluminum, heavy-duty plastic, or molded polyethylene. Aluminum rake heads are the most durable but also the heaviest.
What is the best roof rake?
Chosen for its large aluminum rake head and built-in stabilizers, the SNOWPEELER option is our top pick for the best roof rake. Made with an ample 20-foot reach, this rake comes with a lightweight construction for easy maneuvering and can be adjusted with three height options to choose from, making it suitable for two-story homes.
Why do you rake shingles?
The goal of a roof rake is to reduce a few inches of built-up material that has accumulated over time. Keep this in mind while you are raking and do not try to scrape or scratch materials off your roof roughly. This may cause damage to your shingles or cause them to slip off.
When Should You Remove Snow From Your Roof?
Before you break out your snow boots and ladder, keep in mind that snow and ice removal is a potentially dangerous task that’s best left to a pro. From slipping to major falls, wouldn’t it be better to stay safely on the ground sipping hot cocoa while an expert handles snow removal for you?
Should You Remove Icicles From Your Home?
For this reason, remove any icicles where people will walk by gently knocking them down with a broom, shovel, or roof rake. Do not stand on a ladder to remove them.
