When product is installed, can you still rake snow off the roof after big snow storms ?
368368
I have several hundred feet installed. I do NOT think it would be possible to rake any snow near the gutter portion of the roof; such as within about 2 feet from the gutters up in my case. It would catch the cable and pull it loose. (And it would be a pain to put it back at that time, cuz the shingles are cold/brittle.) I say no.
368369
that would depend on how its installed. I our case we don't use the cable on a roof. We lay it in our driveway to melt drain channels into hard packed snow and ice - short term use now and then. HTH
368370
Yes, but you don't want to push down onto the wires. I tend to rake most of the snow, leaving about 2 inches of snow on the roof. Obviously you have to be careful or you can pull the wires out of the roof.
368371
absolutely not..........unless you want to spend time on a ladder redoing all the work you did the first time. clips are not secure enough to shingles to withstand raking of heavyvsnow. not to mention the force of rake pulling on clips could tear your shingles.
368372
We used a Garelick roof rake that has wheels that keep the blade about 1/2 inch off the roof. We removed about 18 inched of crusted snow and only one clip came loose. I think you'd be fine with fresh snow.
2102887
With proper ventilation (to keep your roof cold) and insulation (so house air doesn't warm it up) you shouldn't have any ice damns so will be OK. I redid all that on my place before installing the guard, so don't know how it does with heavy damning. Without damning it has held up fine in the snow.
301341
Not always, depends on snowfall. Most times only a vroomNot always, most times onkr a broom, depends on snow fall and if ice is a factor. Unit does a good job.
1303535
I used several years ago, maybe 24 inches of snow on roof. Biggest problem I had was keeping from being covered with snow that came off the roof. Unit worked great. Very pleased with it. Used on 2 story house which meant I had to use a ladder to reach the highest part of roof.
300715
We don't live in a heavy snow fall area but I moved here from my, so I understand the fear. I think it would be fine. The shed actually comes with three cross beams that the roof is a to. Also, while putting ours together, it fell over and we had to say out portions of it. It's still fine. It did rip in one corner but it was our fault for not screwing it down to something when it git to windy to be out finishing it. So, if it still up after the wind knocking it over, I think the snow will be no problem. Plus it's short enough you could use a broom to just push the snow right off. No problem. Anyway, the cross beams are made of aluminum but they are strong cause they are i beams. We don't live in a heavy snow fall area but I moved here from my, so I understand the fear. I think it would be fine. The shed actually comes with three cross beams that the roof is a to. Also, while putting ours together, it fell over and we had to say out portions of it. It's still fine. It did rip in one corner but it was our fault for not screwing it down to something when it git to windy to be out finishing it. So, if it still up after the wind knocking it over, I think the snow will be no problem. Plus it's short enough you could use a broom to just push the snow right... » Read More We don't live in a heavy snow fall area but I moved here from my, so I understand the fear. I think it would be fine. The shed actually comes with three cross beams that the roof is a to. Also, while putting ours together, it fell over and we had to say out portions of it. It's still fine. It did rip in one corner but it was our fault for not screwing it down to something when it git to windy to be out finishing it. So, if it still up after the wind knocking it over, I think the snow will be no problem. Plus it's short enough you could use a broom to just push the snow right off. No problem. Anyway, the cross beams are made of aluminum but they are strong cause they are i beams. « Show Less
228288
Works best on fresh snow. Layers are just harder to get thru. The key is also to have the roof at the right level and angle. We have 1 section of the house it works great on but the other roof angles not so well.
511359
Yes, I installed it on a slopped porch roof You have to be it is level, and you will need to measure and place it so that the blades don't hit the joists or roof elements.
1693016
We have had ours installed on the side of our house for several months. It has been exposed to heavy snow and rain and continues to work well.
2065047
Sorry, I have not used it in that situation (Mostly because I don't work well in heavy rain/snow. :) )
2212926
That's a two part answer! It is heavy duty, not really. However if you are talking about being able to get the snow off, then it works perfectly. Snow is not the problem. The issue is if there is wet snow, sleet or rain. When water gets between the material and the car or wind shield, it will freeze there. At that point you have a greater chance for the material to rip. I have found that if you take a warm cup of water and pour it over the spots that have frozen, then you are in good shape and it will come off easier. Simply, if you know that it will just snow, then use it! You'll have no issues. If it is any other type of precipitation, then use with caution or use the warm water trick. Overall, it works for me and I am happy with it.
2136985
No, the deck can remain on, but depending on how deep the snow is, you may wish to remove it.
1989448
Yes. I have had mine for about a year. However, you should note that when you have a 50-60 MPH wind event, you'll have to inspect the structure as the poles may come apart. I think this is reasonable. And, you'll need a broom to coax a snow or ice load off the roof's surface day to day. Accumulation of ice is accute at the edge of the roof and must be periodically inspected and maticulously removed. Tom Lehmann
228290
If its ice that is froze on the roof might not come off but it gets the snow away so the sun can get at it so the water dont back up under the shingles
2284469
Every steel snow blower I've seen has always had runners on the edges that keep the blade a fraction of an inch above the surface. If there was no gap, you'd wear out the blade very quickly and most likely, unevenly. It would also pick up ever little piece of debris in its path and eventually damage the snow blower. The runners also allow it to be adjusted even higher for people with stone driveways. I believe the instructions say to lay a piece of cardboard down and adjust the runners so the blade skims across the cardboard. This means the machine will leave a thin coat of snow the thickness of a piece of cardboard box. I've found the thin layer of snow evaporates by the end of the day in most cases. If the snow is very wet or temps rise above freezing there may be enough water left over to refreeze into ice. You have to remember, a snow blower is just one tool in your arsenal against the ravages of winter. Consider it as you would a whitewash brush. It covers a large area with little effort but lacks the detail ability of a smaller detail brush... your shovel.
1210514
I do not have solar panels on my roof, and my thought would to let the snow melt by it self, but if I were going to use a snow rake, it would be this one. I found an article on the web that referenced this snow rake for snow removal on solar panels. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10156471-54.html If you were to use it you would have to be very, very careful to be sure that the bottom of the blade was lowered so the sharp corners of the rake do not touch the panels. Also, if you received heavy resistance when pulling the rake down, I would stop and lift it off rather than putting extra possible pressure on the panels. Good luck. I do not have solar panels on my roof, and my thought would to let the snow melt by it self, but if I were going to use a snow rake, it would be this one. I found an article on the web that referenced this snow rake for snow removal on solar panels. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10156471-54.html If you were to use it you would have to be very, very careful to be sure that the bottom of the blade was lowered so the sharp corners of the rake do not touch the panels. Also, if you received heavy resistance when pulling the rake down, I would stop and lift it off rather than putting... » Read More I do not have solar panels on my roof, and my thought would to let the snow melt by it self, but if I were going to use a snow rake, it would be this one. I found an article on the web that referenced this snow rake for snow removal on solar panels. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10156471-54.html If you were to use it you would have to be very, very careful to be sure that the bottom of the blade was lowered so the sharp corners of the rake do not touch the panels. Also, if you received heavy resistance when pulling the rake down, I would stop and lift it off rather than putting extra possible pressure on the panels. Good luck. « Show Less
1559317
The manufacturer makes available a snow load kit which provides additional roof support. You can also get a kit for high wind loading.
248235
Small amount of snow, yes. Heavy, wet snow-no. We just had a snow storm in Maryland and did not get to clear it in time. Unfortunately,the entire roof collapsed and the whole gazebo is now unsalvageable.