How To Safely Remove Snow From Your Flat Roof

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You might go on your roof as little as possible, especially when it is icy and covered in snow. A slip from your roof could cause severe injury or even death. Flat roofs are safer to walk on than sloped roofs, but they don't shed snow as easily, meaning you'll have to remove the accumulated snow. There are several reasons you need to remove snow from a flat roof. As snow piles up, ice dams at the edges of your roof can lead to water damage and the weight can even cause your roof to collapse. Ceiling stains show that water damage has already occurred, and sagging should summon major structural concerns. Home insurance may cover snow damage on your roof, but you need to maintain it properly to begin with. 

The process of safely removing snow from your flat roof is simple. You need to start at the edges of the roof and work your way inward, and be careful not to scrape off any shingles. You'll also need some specific gear and to follow a few safety precautions. However, before you remove any snow, make sure it's necessary. Look for documents that tell you your roof's weight capacity. Then you'll know how much snow your roof can handle. Roofs generally can't support any more than 40 inches of fresh snow or 20 inches of packed snow. That's why it's important to remove snow from your roof.

When removing snow from your roof, one of the most important things you can do is wear boots with decent treads so you can maintain traction. Also, make sure to put on warm clothing, including gloves and thermal socks. If the roof is particularly large, you can even use a snow blower after the initial raking. Marshalltown Avalanche rakes are specifically designed to help clear snow off of roofs and gutters. Think of the roof as a grid and work one section at a time. Take frequent breaks while working.

Further, try to always be aware of your surroundings. For instance, watch out for power lines when dumping the snow overboard. Falling ice and snow can also damage cars or even hurt people who happen to be walking below. Consider hiring a professional snow removal service. Check ratings and written reviews to make sure the service is reputable, because you don't want to risk one of the workers injuring themselves or damaging the roof. There are also several ways to prevent dangerous damage from accumulated snow. You should clean your gutters, remove fallen branches or leaves, and schedule inspections. If water starts to leak through, that's one of the clearest signs that your roof needs to be replaced ASAP.