The Midwest is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, and this winter is sure to bring plenty of snow and ice. One common problem that homeowners face during the winter is roof damage caused by ice dams. An ice dam occurs when a thick layer of ice forms at the edge of the roof, trapping water and causing it to back up under the roof shingles and into the home. This can cause extensive damage to your roof, so it's important to take steps to prevent it from happening. In this blog post, we will discuss how to protect your roof from ice dams using a roof rake.

Why Ice Dams Form

Ice dams form when the air temperature is below freezing and there is snow on the roof. The sun heats up the snow, which melts and then refreezes at the edge of the roofline, forming a dam. As more melting snow backs up behind the dam, it can seep under the shingles and into your home, causing serious damage.

How to Use a Roof Rake to Remove Snow and Prevent Ice Dams

One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is to remove snow from your roof regularly using a roof rake. A roof rake is a long-handled tool that allows you to reach the snow on your roof without having to get on the roof itself. This is important because you don't want to damage your shingles by walking on them.

When using a roof rake, be sure to start at the edge of the roof and work your way down in order to prevent any further damage. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when using a roof rake. Similarly, follow these roof raking safety tips, to prevent harm to yourself.

• Start at the roof's edge and work your way down
• Be sure to clear all snow off the roof, not just the ice dams
• Use a roof rake that is specifically designed for this purpose
• Follow all manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines

Another way to prevent ice dams is by ensuring that your attic is well-insulated. This will help keep warmth in your home, which will prevent snow from melting on your rooftop in the first place. In addition, make sure that there are no gaps or holes in your attic where heat can escape. These measures will help reduce your risk of ice dams forming this winter.

Hire a Roof Raking Service

If you're like most Minneapolis homeowners, time is short and you don't want to take on the task of roof raking yourself. Fortunately, The Lawnsmith offers roof raking services to help protect your roof from ice dam damage this winter. We use specialized roof rake tools and techniques to safely remove snow and ice from your roof in order to prevent any costly roof repairs down the line.

In addition, The Lawnsmith provides snow removal and salting services to keep your driveway, sidewalks, and walkways clear this winter. Our staff is ready to help, so you can rest easy knowing that your roof and property are in good hands with The Lawnsmith.

Contact The Lawnsmith

At The Lawnsmith, we don't just specialize in lawn care, we are winter weather experts too! We are dedicated to helping you protect your roof and property from winter weather damage. Contact us today to learn more about our roof raking services or request a free quote today.

Image credit: Pexels / Skitterphoto