Clean Roof Valleys and Debris
Why It Matters
Debris in valleys dams water flow, causing it to back up under shingles and leak into your home.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Roof rake or leaf blower, Safety harness. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the clean roof valleys and debris
Remove leaves, branches, and debris from roof valleys and around chimneys where water collects. Safety note: Never walk on a wet or icy roof.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If steep roofs or any discomfort with heights, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Roof rake or leaf blower
- Safety harness
Community Tips
Never work on a wet or icy roof, as valleys become treacherous slip zones even with safety equipment -- wait 24 hours after rain or frost melt before clearing debris to prevent falls.
A Worx WG801 Cordless Leaf Blower ($120-150) outperforms manual roof rakes for valley cleaning because its variable speed prevents shingle damage while reaching gutters without ladder repositioning.
Debris trapped in valleys typically leads to ice dam formation within 6-12 months if left unaddressed -- clearing them biannually (spring and fall) prevents $500-2000 water damage repairs that insurance often denies as preventable maintenance. ---