How to Clear Snow From a Conservatory Roof
Looking out of the window during winter, and you might be wondering how to clear snow from a conservatory roof. Despite the fact that Britain normally isn’t hit to hard with snow, it has been one of the worst winters on record. This has created a problem we don’t usually have to think of too often. How to clear the snow from a conservatory roof!
There are multiple ways to clear snow from the roof of a conservatory but care must be taken to both not add more weight and pressure to the glass panels on the roof and to protect yourself while removing snow. Snow rakes, snow blowers and snow shovels can all remove snow effectively depending on the amount of snow.
Prevention is better than cure of course and we have an article on how to prevent snow from building up or building up in an serious quantity here and linked to below.
Using a snow rake
A good ice rake will break and help prevent ice dams from forming on the conservatory roof, preventing damage to your home or rooftop. It is light and easy to handle, but can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Ideally, a rake should have a slide, which allows snow to fall down its side rather than the roof’s surface.
However, snow and ice rakes are not as sturdy as other types of rakes, which makes them a poor choice for high roofs. They also have a lack of ergonomic handles and may not be that strong if you have to move a lot of snow.
The problem with using a snow rake to clear the roof is that you must be able to get onto the roof or close to it in order to remove the snow. It can be dangerous, and people with heart or back problems should not attempt to use this method.
Therefore, if you are unsure whether you have the stamina, strength or even willpower to tackle such a task, you can always hire a professional snow removal company or more likely a handyman!. They can also recommend a good strategy for managing ice dams on your roof and can also offer advice on gutter cleaning and other measures you can take to prevent ice dams from forming.
Look for a snow rake with telescoping handles so you can easily adjust it to suit your height. If you need to use a snow rake for another purpose, consider investing in a metal rake so it lasts longer and is stronger.
To use a snow rake on a conservatory roof, you need to know how to use it properly. It’s important to be careful when using a rake as it can easily cause damage to the roof. You should use a rake carefully and stand back a few feet from the eaves before using it Especially if there is heavy snow likely to fall down ( unless you want to be a walking snowman)
A roof snow rake is designed specifically for clearing snow from the roof of conservatories and other flat roofs. This rake should be heavy and sturdy, as it requires strong upper body muscles. Also, a snow rake should be easy to use.
An appropriate snow rake should be lightweight, adjustable, and padded to ensure comfort while using it. If you have a tall roof or are in an area susceptible to heavy snow you can get a set with wheels so you can wheel it backwards and forwards and stop the need to use ladders.
there are other more expensive but less labor intensive options like heated cables and heated rakes to melt snow and ice. If you have a large amount of snow, it is probably best to call a professional service. This will prevent any damage to your home’s roof..
what are ice dams?
When snow falls on a conservatory roof, it melts and collects in the areas on the upper surface, which forms ice dams once the weather turns cold again. These dams block the flow of melted water, resulting in the building of a water-logged roof. This causes a buildup of water and therefore weight.
Using a snow blower
If you are faced with a large pile of snow covering your conservatory roof, you may be tempted to use a snow blower. However, a snow blower should be used to clear only snow and not other debris. Despite the name, snow blowers are not the best choice for conservatories.
To get the most out of your snow blower, you should always plug it into an extension cord specifically for use outside. A snow blower may be a good alternative to a snow shovel when the snow is light and easy to remove. Just make sure to read the owner’s manual thoroughly so that you can get the most out of your tool. You should also ensure that you do not point the snow blower’s chute at buildings, cars or other objects.
A leaf blower may also be an effective option for clearing snow. While leaf blowers have their limitations, they are great for clearing smaller spaces and are a good option for those who find it difficult to lift large objects.
Gas-powered snow blowers come in a single or dual-stage design. Single-stage blowers use an auger to scoop up snow and throw it through a chute. A dual-stage snow blower combines an auger and impeller to move snow from a wider area.
These models are ideal for light snowfall and paved surfaces. Two-stage models have an auger and an impeller and can clear snow up to 12 inches of clearance. However, a dual-stage model can occasionally clear up to 24 inches.
When it comes to purchasing a snow blower, make sure you choose one that has an incredibly powerful motor. Snow Joe makes an electric snow blower with a 15-amp motor and 720 pounds of snow per minute. A snow blower with a motor of this size is the best choice for clearing snow from medium and large areas. Its steel auger will cut through snow up to 18 x 10 inches in a single pass.
However justifying a purchase like this is really if you live are expecting heavy snow, something in the UK that doesn’t happen so much.
Using a snow shovel
If you’re trying to remove a buildup of snow from your conservatory roof, you should be aware of the dangers of attempting this yourself. Even if you’re an experienced roofer, you may have to work around ice dams that form when snow melts. Calcium chloride, basically salt to me and you, applied to the ice dam, will help you get rid of them. The edge of a snow shovel can be used to push snow away.
However, despite its easy access, using a snow shovel to remove snow from a conservatory roof can be dangerous. Especially if your shovel is metal and your rood is glass. Fairly sure you can work out why.
Taking snow off your conservatory roof is an unpleasant experience, but it doesn’t have to be. You can use a snow shovel, a roof rake, or a snow blower to remove snow from the roof. When using a snow shovel you should check on the maximum weight capacity of the roof before undertaking the project. Usually, the roof is capable of absorbing up to twenty pounds per square foot of snow, but if you start to add your weight to that…
Another type of snow shovel is the Garant XL. It has an ergonomic design and an adjustable handle. It allows you to lift the snow without bending and push it away. You can also use a wax or cooking spray to prevent snow from sticking to the shovel.
The weight of the snow on your conservatory roof depends on the density of the snow. It is easier to clear snow when it’s at least a foot deep, but deeper accumulations will be more difficult to remove. However, you’ll need to wait until it’s a good six to eight hours after the snowfall. With a snow shovel, it’s not a big job.
A tarp, firewood, and a few tools can make the job go much quicker. If you don’t have these items on hand, you can use a snow rake instead. These snow rakes are made to minimize the impact of ice dams and snow loading on roofs. It’s essential to be careful when working with a snow shovel because the weight can cause damage to the roof material and can even cause leaks.
Conclusion
Which ever method you choose make sure you have the correct tools and are fit enough to do the job. it sounds silly, but there are ports every year of people having hart attacks while clearing snow ( not just from conservatories of course) and if you are not feeling up to it you should not over exert yourself. It is a bigger task than you may imagine.
