DIY guideRoof and gutters
Rake snow off the roof edge from the ground
With a roof rake from the ground: clear of the power line, out of where the snow slides, pull the first stretch above the edge down and leave a thin layer.
- 20 to 45 min
- 7 steps
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Use a roof rake on a long pole from the ground. Never climb a ladder in snow.
Never climb onto the roof or a ladder in snow and ice.Before you lift the pole, find the power line to the house and keep the rake well away from it.
A pole that touches a power line can kill: use a plastic or fibreglass one.Stand to the side, out of where the snow will land, with nobody under the edge.
Pull the snow down from the first stretch above the edge, a little at a time.
Leave a thin layer on the shingles: scraping down to them can tear them.
Clear the fallen snow from the doors, the vents and the downspouts' ends.
A roof too high to reach from the ground, a heavy load, or cracking sounds inside: ask Handyman for a roofer.
What you need
- A roof rake with a plastic or fibreglass pole
- Boots with a good grip
- Gloves
Call a pro if
- The roof is too high to reach from the ground
- The snow load is heavy, or you hear cracking
- Ice is frozen to the roof's edge
Handyman says: Too high to reach? I'll find a roofer.
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
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