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Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: Does roof raking prevent ice dams? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.

You can use a pressure washer to clean a whole host of surfaces. The exterior siding of your house is one of the most popular spots, as well as your driveway, garage floor, patio or deck, and even your outdoor furniture. Just be mindful about the amount of pressure you apply to different materials—concrete can handle a lot more than wood, for example.

In most cases, it’s a good idea to leave the icicles on your roof and wait for the warmer weather to melt them away naturally. You should only remove icicles if you believe they’re heavy enough to cause damage to your home or anyone who enters it.

Walking on the roof to clean gutters is unsafe. If you do your own gutter cleaning, use a ladder to reach the gutters rather than climbing on your roof. Walking on the roof is dangerous, especially if it has rained recently or if there are fallen leaves. You can also damage your shingles when walking on them, which can lead to water leaks.

Keep in mind that using a ladder has its risks, too. It can be difficult to keep your balance while doing the labor-intensive work of cleaning gutters. For safety reasons, hiring a pro to clean your gutters is the best choice.