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DIY snow removal is entirely free, except for the cost of a shovel. However, it may not always be the best option for large driveways and areas with heavy snowfall; it’s strenuous work and can take a long time. Other wallet-friendly ways to remove snow include rock salt, hot water, a de-icing agent, or a leaf blower. 

Most roofs can take quite a bit of weight from snow, but their ability to handle heavy snow is not unlimited. Most roofs can handle about 20 pounds per cubic foot of fresh snow. Ice, ice dams, and other factors can contribute to dangerous roof weight. Newer roofs, sloped roofs, and those that have more support can hold more snow than older roofs, flat roofs, and roofs with widely spaced beams. To figure out how much snow your roof can hold, you will need to contact a professional roofing contractor to calculate the maximum snow load for your specific roof.

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.

The best way to remove snow from driveways is to use a two- or three-stage snow blower, which has the power to clear snow in a matter of minutes. Don’t forget to consider helpful options, such as a snow thrower, wheelbarrow plow, leaf blower, and hiring a professional snow removal company to clear off your driveway.