How To Remove Leaves From Your Roof

Cool, crisp air. Steamy beverages. The crunch of leaves under your feet. What's not to love about autumn? It's a beautiful time of year. But any reputable roof building contractor in Lamb County, TX, will tell you the same leaves that add a touch of charm to your walkway can cause serious trouble for your roof. If you don't remove them, the leaves trap moisture and slowly break down roofing materials. A pile of wet leaves also creates the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Here are a few ways to safely remove leaves from your roof.

Telescoping Leaf Rake

If you have a single-story home surrounded by low landscaping, your roof will probably stay clean without much maintenance. Use a leaf rake designed for roofing to remove dry leaves that have collected near your chimney or in roof valleys. Telescoping designs that extend to 15-20 feet also work on multi-level homes. Some leaf rakes can also double as snow removal tools for your roof.

Garden Hose

Taller roofs or piles of wet leaves may require more than a leaf rake for removal. Using a garden hose to loosen and wash them off is often effective. However, never use a pressure washer as this may force water up under your shingles and cause more damage than the leaves would.

Leaf Blower

A leaf blower makes quick work of leaf removal on walkable roofs with a low slope, such as those found on porch transitions, garages, or certain styles of homes. It is not recommended that you climb on a roof with a steep pitch and try to use a leaf blower; stay safe and leave this job to a professional. For more information on removing leaves from your roof or to schedule a roof inspection, contact Fortenberry Roofing Co., a trusted roof building contractor in Lamb County, TX.