Shovels and roof rakes stand ready. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

I’m fine if I never wake up to a leaking roof again. Really. I don’t need any more lessons.

I’m starting to think Mother Nature is making this personal. I’ve read all the posts of people looking for someone to shovel their roofs. I’ve driven down roads to see people raking the snow away from sheds and roofs. I thought we had escaped the need for raking until I woke up early for work to a steady drip coming from the ceiling. It’s the sure sign of an ice dam.

This isn’t our first roof issue. Two years ago, we saved up for a new roof, and it has caused us problems since the beginning. We are finally over the hump. We have successfully weathered a rain storm that remained outside the house. That’s right. Rain dance takes on a different meaning when celebrating because rain isn’t running down your walls. Would I ever be able to listen to the pitter-patter of rain on our metal roof without wanting to curl up in a ball or start lining up the spackle buckets?

Then came the snow. So many layers of snow have built up that the snow banks surrounding my house look like sedimentary rock layers. I tried to use the roof rake, but I’m too short. I had to extend the rake to its longest length to reach the roof. I felt like a toddler as I wobbled between having the head of the rake stuck on the roof and the end of the handle stuck in the nearby snowbank.

According to a contractor friend and the New York State Department of Building Standards and Codes, recent structures are built to withstand a specific snow load. Most roofs may not require raking unless there is ice buildup and a potential ice dam. Staying off the roof and using a roof rake from the ground is also recommended. Do not scrape the roof clean because the rake could cause damage to shingles. Otherwise, look for insured professionals more than willing to take on the job.

Raking was mandatory for us. Thankfully, we called in the forces, and a group of friends came to help armed with roof rakes, an Adirondack necessity. So far, we are keeping the weather out. I hope the rest of you are as lucky.

The only water I want to hear inside my house early in the morning is the sound of brewing coffee. Fingers crossed!