How to Remove Snow From Your Roof With a Wet Dry Vac

Snow accumulation on a roof can prevent multiple problems if not removed. Heavy snow and ice can add weight onto a roof, potentially weakening it. This could lead to holes in the roof, sagging, damaged shingles, and warping. Snow can gather in gutters and drain pipes, clogging them and preventing proper drainage. Using a wet dry vacuum can remove some of the snow allowing the remaining snow to properly melt and drain down the gutters.

Ladder
Wet dry vac
Long extension hose

Instructions

- 1
  Position the ladder on flat ground close to the building.
- 2
  Plug in the wet dry vac to an outdoor outlet. Connect a longer vacuum hose if needed. Position the vacuum close to the ladder. Turn on the vacuum.
- 3
  Climb up the ladder so you are comfortably able to reach at least a few inches up on the roof from the gutters.
- 4
  Hold the vacuum hose end firmly and begin sucking up snow from the roof a few inches above the gutter. Alternate between removing snow from this area of the roof and inside the gutter itself.
- 5
  Check the wet dry vacuum's tank periodically during the process to determine if it is full. If the vacuum stops sucking up snow and water, it may be full. Turn off the vacuum and unclip the clamps holding the motor to the tank. Lift the motor housing off and place it aside. Tilt the tank on its side to empty the water and snow.
- 6
  Wipe away chunks of snow with your hands as needed. Snow will begin to slide down the roof as you remove snow close to you. Continue alternating between wiping snow away and vacuuming it up.
- 7
  Move the ladder periodically to reach different sections of the roof. Repeat until you have removed most of the snow.

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