Roof - snow removal

I have a two-story home with a metal roof. I bought the home three years ago. Every year ice builds up on the roof ans slowly slides off. Last year it became 6 inches thick and when it finally let go it destroyed my metal bulkhead and damaged my chimney. I'd like to remove the snow before it turns to ice. Is there a roof rake that will reach the top of my house (the peak is almost 50 feet from the ground)? Any other alternatives?

Thanks!

Reply to
BuckK
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I doubt it, and even if they did it would be unmanageable. I have one with 3 extensions totaling 20 feet, and it's a real workout to use, especially if there's any wind at all.

If you're not having trouble with ice dams, just worried about snow sliding off, have a roofer install the little brackets designed to prevent the snow from sliding. I don't know what they are called, but they are common around here on older houses with steep slate roofs that are very prone to snow slides. It's common to see one or two rows of the little brackets installed 2-3 feet from the roof's edge. Don't know if they can be used on metal roofs, but worth asking.

HTH,

Paul F.

Reply to
Paul Franklin

Damaged your chimney? How so? You need a stronger bulkhead and perhaps a little building over it. You need to get the snow to start sliding off the roof sooner while it's still soft. Why doesn't it? Maybe you need to coat the metal roof with something slick. I assume it's not a modern metal roof, those let the snow slide easily. The old galvanized/painted ones can be too ruff and rusted. Or is it a slope problem, not enough roof angel.

Reply to
Blattus Slafaly

Can't see your house from here. What do you mean by bulkhead? A picture with a link would help. A flat porch roof, maybe? As to the chimney- if it isn't at the peak of the roof, it should have a cricket uphill from it to divert snow and rain around it.

Best course of action may be a site survey by 2 or 3 professional roofers in your area, that have metal roof experience. (Many do not.) They know the local climate and codes, and hopefully know what works. No, it won't be cheap, but steep roof work 50 feet off the ground is generally not a good idea for DIY anyway. Stuff that can kill you is no place to cut corners.

-- aem sends...

Reply to
aemeijers

And insulate the sun? ;)

The roof brackets another poster mentioned are called snowbirds or snow guards. Here's one manufacturer's web site that has a nifty little installation video. I've never used adhesive for attaching them to a metal roof, but they have some pretty amazing adhesives out there so I don't see why it wouldn't work.

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Reply to
RicodJour

Thanks fo rthe relpies, let me try to clarify. I want the snow to slide off the roof before it turns to ice. We have cathedral ceilings with no chimney. I suspect heat is the culprit. The roof is only 5 years old, pretty steep, and and pretty smooth. I just need a way to get the snow off after each storm.

Reply to
BuckK

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