In many areas of the country, snow buildup on awnings and canopies can be a very serious concern and very dangerous in many ways. Luckily in Connecticut having to remove snow from your canopy is a rare occurrence.
Although canopies and awnings do a great job keeping the snow off your patios and walkways if snow or ice is allowed to build up excessively on your structure it could be subjected to a higher than normal weight load, which could put excess strain on the structure. There are many different tools that can be used to clear the snow from your awnings without causing any damage. Using incorrect tools can scratch metal, aluminum, or wood awnings or fray and tear some fabric awnings.
Below are some of our recommended methods used in removing snow and ice from your awnings. If you are unsure about doing this job yourself it is always best to hire a professional.
Use a Snow Broom
Snow brooms are great to use on fabric and metal awnings alike. They are soft bristled with an extendable handle. This helps protect your awning while removing the excess snow.
Simply push or pull the snow off the awning until you can see the fabric or metal. There is no need to scrape the awning clean. The sun will do the rest of the work for you.
Pro Tip: Be sure to store the snow broom inside where it is warm enough to prevent the bristles from freezing and becoming rigid to prevent damaging your awning.
Use a Leaf Blower
This method really only works for light dusty snow but can save you a lot of time if the conditions are right.
The benefit of a leaf blower over the above mentioned snow broom is that it can be done from a distance and can completely clear the awning of snow with very little effort
Pro Tip: Instead of climbing a ladder try to find an adjacent window to remove the snow. This is safer and can be done while staying warm.
Use a Roof Rake
This method is for metal and wood awnings only. Do not attempt to use a roof rake on a fabric awning.
With a roof rake you just have to gently place the rake on the structure and pull towards you. Do not push the rake down to hard, after all we are just trying to remove the bulk of the snow to help lighten the structures load.
Pro Tip: Wait until you are done removing the snow to shovel the areas below. it may make moving around a little more difficult but your back will thank you later.
That’s all there is to it.
Care should always be taken when clearing awnings and canopies to protect the items below from becoming damaged by the falling ice and snow. The area should also be blocked off during this process to prevent patrons from walking under the structure and getting injured. If you have any great ways of removing snow from your awning or canopy feel free to share them in the comments below.
Christopher
Thanks for the tips! I normally use a push broom, but after reading this I tried an electric blower from our second floor windows to clear our store front canopy and it worked great!
Thanks again, Christopher