When you live at home, and the winter has fully come into its own, new household chores arise. In addition to cleaning the snow from the yard, you will also need to remove the snow on the roof. Thus, you will not risk unpleasant incidents, and you will release the resistance structure of your house. Because the removal of snow can present a risk of incidents, it is important to pay attention to safety measures.
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In the following lines, we will reveal how you can get rid of snow on the roof, easily and safely.
Why is it important to clean the snow roof?
Snow removal is important to protect the structure of the roof but also the house. In winter, there is a phenomenon called an ice dam. The heat that rises from the house melts the snow in the middle of the roof and makes it slide to the edges, where, not being hot, it freezes. Thus, on the edge of the roof, an ice dam is formed that keeps the moisture inside. If too much water and snow accumulate on the roof, it will leak into the house or damage the area’s roof and gutter. In addition, turtles hanging from the edge of the pipes can be dangerous to your safety, your family, and even animals. The temperature can vary, so you can’t predict when one will break or when a snow slip will occur.
2. What methods are there to get the snow off the roof?
To remove excess snow from the roof, you can use a plastic shovel or, if the roof is very high and flat, the recommendation is to turn to specialists:
- a plastic shovel with an extendable handle – this will help you lower the snow without damaging the cover, and by changing the length of the handle, you will be able to reach hard-to-reach places (You can use, alternatively, a broom with a very long handle .)
*** Do not use an aluminum shovel, as it can scratch and even break the tiles.
The de-icing action of the sloping roof will be done from the ground, using the adjustable tail of the shovel. First, you will lower the snow from the edge, and then you will head towards the top, as you reach it.
- a defrost system – it consists of cables that heat and melt the snow and a thermostat that controls their temperature;
*** A roof defrosting system mounted in the area of the gutters and inside them not only melts the snow deposited on the house but also ensured the optimal drainage of water resulting from melting, without involving (or damaging) the rainwater system.
- A professional snow removal team – if you have a very large amount of snow that you cannot reach safely, it is better to turn to specialists.
3. What safety measures are taken when removing snow from the roof?
Before starting the action of de-icing the roof, make sure that you have taken all the necessary measures meant to keep you away from unwanted incidents. Here’s what you need to know:
- Use shoes with non-slip soles, even if you don’t climb on the roof and hit the snow while you are on the ground.
- Wear goggles when using a shovel or broom to clean the roof;
- Equip yourself with a safety helmet, whether you climb on the roof or choose to snow on the house while remaining on the ground;
- DO NOT use the ladder because, in winter, most surfaces are frozen and slippery, so you will not be able to find a stable foothold;
- Make a well-established corridor around the house by beating the snow for more freedom of movement;
- Avoid using aluminum shovels because it is heavier than plastic and can scratch or break the tiles that have ice on them;
4. How do you prevent dangerous turtles from appearing?
Turtles are very dangerous, they weigh five times more than snow, and a 50-centimeter turtle, formed at the height of two meters, can seriously injure you if it breaks. To prevent their formation, follow these tips:
- clean the snow in time – if too much snow accumulates, it can melt and freeze in the form of cakes;
- cleans autumn gutters and downspouts and deposits; if they are blocked, the water will not flow and will freeze;
- use a heating system, such as a defrost system, to melt the snow before it has time to freeze;
5. When is the right time to take the snow off the roof?
The favorable moment for snow removal depends both on the height of the snow layer (if it reaches 15 centimeters, it is recommended to lower it), and on the type of snow: the fluffy and dry one will be lighter than a very watery and dense one.
Removing snow from the roof is a tiring and possibly dangerous activity if you do not take all safety precautions. Removing snow is very important for the durability of your home. By constantly cleaning, you ensure that water does not seep into the walls and that your roof is not put too much pressure.