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SNOW ROOF RAKES PREVENT ICE DAMS
copyright 2011 roofrake.com photo by Tyg Forskring

We have spoken with homeowners, who have lived in their homes for years without the slightest problem with snow or ice on their roofs or ice dams, that are surprised to learn that all of a sudden they need a snow roof rake. But we are more surprised to hear that some of our newer clients are getting too old to climb up on their roof and shovel off the snow. If you are even considering that  - Stop! - get a roofrake!  If we could only tell you about the hundreds of clients that we have spoken to that have fallen trying to do just that - remove snow from the roof.

So lets talk about the science of an ice dam and why you need a snow roof rake. Ice dams occur in two ways or in a combination of both.

Scenario number one: snow accumulates over time and melts when temperatures warm which is normally during the day as the sun is shining. Then at night snow tends to refreeze trapping some water beneath the snow and forcing it back up your roof right under the shingles and into your home. You may begin to see some water marks in your drywall.

Scenario number two: again snow accumulates but you have a warm attic - in full or in spots. This can be in the roof over a kitchen, directly below an access door, in areas where insulation is not present, or over your whole roof. Icicles are the first sign. Melted snow will find the path of least resistance and that can be right in the cracks of your shingles. Your attic needs to be as cool as possible to avoid this and you may be scratching your head as to why this is suddenly happening.

In either situation having a snow roof rake in hand can avoid costly damage and roof repairs. All you need to do is simply roof rake about six feet clear from the edge of your roof to minimize damage to your home or business.