The Best Ways to Remove Snow From a Rubber Roof

Shovels and Rakes

• One solution to shoveling or raking snow off a rubber roof is to switch from metal to plastic. The whole goal of the process is to avoid creating a rip in the roof fabric, and the slightly rounded edges of a plastic tool are much safer than metal. Your best option is to use a rake that has been flipped over so the backside is all that comes into contact with the roof. It takes longer than traditional shoveling, but a sifting motion will eventually get rid of the offending snow cover.

De-Icer

• While salt is most certainly corrosive to metal, it shouldn't do any damage to a rubber roof, though you must pay attention to any metal fasteners that might have been used during installation. The same goes for chemical de-icer. Read the warnings on the label carefully before application. If it is dangerous for rubber type roofs, the label should state this fact plainly. If you're unsure, consult with your local hardware store. The staff should be familiar enough with the product to offer advice.

Flat Pitch

• Many rubber roofs are flat, which creates a special challenge for keeping them clear of winter snow, ice and debris. A flat roof is much more susceptible to collapse under load bearing, so it's critical to keep an eye on how much of the wintry stuff has fallen. Having said that, most modern roofs can hold up to about 30 pounds per square foot, according to structural engineer John Cuddy, which means you needn't get too concerned until accumulation passes 2 feet.

Considerations

• Above all, the thing to keep in mind when it comes to removing snow from a rubber roof is to not use anything sharp that can cut the rubber. Once the structural integrity of a rubber roof has been breached, problems associated with leaking water can add up in a hurry as the water moves underneath the roofing material to locations far removed from the original cut.