Community Corner

Clearing Snow Off the Roof is Awful, 5 Tips to Make it Safer

Here are five things to help you, Windsor Locks and East Windsor, when you clear snow off your roof.

Good morning, Windsor Locks and East Windsor! Today is Monday, Feb. 11, 2013; there are 323 days left in the year.

So this snow storm has brought me the joys of homeownership. For years, I didn’t have to shovel hardly anything except my car out of a parking spot. Now, being married to the Yogurt Siren and all, I now have the opportunity to shovel out a 50-foot driveway.

Truthfully, I can handle that. What I can’t stand - at least what I just learned I can’t stand - is clearing snow off a roof.

Ever do it? It’s awful. Really. Freakin’. Awful.

I used this rake contraption that a dear family friend was kind enough to lend me. Without it, I have no idea how the work would have gotten done. Anyhoo, I used muscles that I hadn’t in years. It also doesn’t help that, proportionally, I look like the snowman in the photo gallery.

Maybe if I’d just followed the five things listed below (which also counts as your Daily 5), I wouldn’t be in so much pain:

1. Dress appropriately. Wear layers, so you can stay warm but also not have your movement impeded by overly thick clothing.

2. Wear sunglasses. You'll be looking up much of the time, and a clear winter sky after a snowstorm tends to have a very bright sun. Having sun-induced blind spots is never a good idea, especially when you're up on a ladder clearing snow.

3. Pick the right tool for the job. Don't use a tool that will damage your roof. You can start off with a snow rake (or roof rake). If you don't have one of those, a broom will work for lighter snow. Heavy wet and frozen snow will require something with more bite, like a roof razor, that leaves a layer of snow so as not to cut through the roof. Using a shovel is common, although it's also more likely to do damage.

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4. Use a sturdy ladder. Climbing up to the roof by climbing on a deck or other structure is obviously a bad idea. Snow and ice will make any climbing difficult. A ladder should be used, and it should be a strong ladder with secure attachments to prevent it from collapsing. Also, make sure the ladder is dry and free of any ice or snow.

5. Plan carefully where to place your ladder. Make sure you don't position your ladder in the same spot where you're going to make the snow fall.

Click here for five more things to look out for while clearing your roof of snow.

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