The Handy Tool That Helps Clear Snow Off Your Roof And Gutters

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When snow blankets everything in white, even a regular old house looks like it belongs in a storybook. It's beautiful, sure, but that beauty is often deceptive. Fluff isn't all there is to snow; that thick layer can be persistent and downright stubborn. If you've ever looked up at your roof during a blizzard and felt a twinge of worry, you know exactly what we mean. Ignoring the accumulation could lead to serious headaches down the line. However, a simple yet genius tool — a roof rake — may be just the help you need to effectively take care of snow and ice in your gutters and roof safely.

The thing is, if you let snow sit for a while, it doesn't remain fluffy anymore. It hardens and becomes a solid mass that your gutters and roof weren't designed to hold. That weight can gradually warp your gutters and stress shingles and roofing materials. When there's too much snow for your roof to handle, it may eventually lead to leaks and costly repairs. Timely snow removal, generally when accumulation reaches about 6 inches, prevents this slow-motion disaster. A long, extendable roof rake, like the VEVOR Snow Roof Rake, lets you easily remove snow while it's still soft and manageable. Plus, you won't need to climb onto a slippery roof to clear it off. All you need is to extend the rake's handle toward the roofline.

Before you even touch the rake, let's talk safety, because there's nothing heroic about slipping on your driveway or flattening your favorite garden decor under a pile of snow. Make sure you wear boots that actually grip the ground (no, your summer sneakers don't count), a warm hat to protect against the falling snow, and warm gloves so you're not out there battling frostbite. Then, take a quick walk around your home. If you've got lanterns, potted plants, patio stools, and a tiny herb garden you've been nursing through fall, move them away from your house. When snow starts falling, anything in its way becomes collateral damage.

Once the area is clear, position yourself safely, ideally at a safe distance from the eaves. If you stand directly under the edge, you're basically volunteering to get dumped on. Extend your rake, if possible, so you can rake the roof at a comfortable angle. Begin at the very edge of the roof, and work your way up using gentle strokes. Don't apply too much pressure, as that could damage the shingles. Let the rake glide and do the work. As you move forward, slide the rake higher to reach the snow that's settled farther back.

Once the roof is mostly cleared, move on to the gutters. Clearing them will keep melting snow from wreaking havoc around your home. It's always better to tackle gutters afterwards because the roof snow will naturally slip into them as it slides down with the rake. And don't try to strip the roof completely bare. Leave a thin layer of snow behind. Pulling everything down at once may end up harming the shingles.