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Yes, and they do it exceptionally well. Heated roof cables have two purposes: melting snow and preventing ice buildup. Ice damming happens when ice forms on the roof (usually where the roof meets the gutter) and melts stubbornly slowly, causing moisture to enter the roof itself and, therefore, the home.

You may be wondering if you really need the snow removed from your roof. Since most roofs can only handle 20 pounds per square foot of snow accumulation, there is a tipping point when you are suddenly at risk of roof collapse. This can cause a lot of damage, not just to your home, but to your belongings, too. It also poses a physical danger to your family. Also, a lot of snow on a roof makes it more susceptible to ice dams, leaks, and water damage.

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.

Removing snow from your roof can help prevent ice dams, but the best thing to do is address insulation issues in your attic. If you do decide to remove the snow manually, you should always use a roof rake rather than a shovel. You shouldn’t climb your snowy roof in any circumstance, and roof rake allows you to remove the snow from the ground or a ladder. For the best results, remove snow as soon as possible after it falls.