U.S. Adults Overlook Roofs as Priority Spot for Snow Removal Making a Costly Mistake

CAMP HILL, Pa., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the possibility of costly damage, the roof is the last place consumers would want to have cleared of snow first.  In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by Ames True Temper^® and conducted online by Harris Interactive among 2,293 adults 18 and older, only one percent of those who live in an area where it snows enough or at all, identified snow removal from the roof as a first priority. With the Farmers' Almanac predicting a cold and wet winter for many regions in the country, now more than ever it's essential for homeowners to be properly prepared.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111208/PH19500 )

"As our survey showed, many times a person's main concern about snow removal is shoveling the driveway and sidewalk first so they can get back to their normal day-to-day routine," said Joe Saffron, director, marketing and product development, Ames True Temper.  "Other areas of the home though, such as the roof, receive far less attention and are left vulnerable to costly repairs from ice damming, gutter damage, and excess roof weight.  True Temper's all-new Roof Rake, with a telescoping handle, can make snow removal from the roof as intuitive as from the driveway."

Almost half of those who live in an area where it snows enough or at all, 48 percent, indicated the driveway as the first must-clear zone, followed by the steps at 22 percent and the sidewalk at 19 percent. Roofs ranked among the last spot homeowners preferred to have cleared of snow. Yet, there was more than $400 million in roof damage due to snow in February last year in just 11 states, according to a national insurance agency.* With the Farmers' Almanac predicting hazardous winter weather again this year, it's likely this number could continue to grow.

In order to ensure homeowners are better equipped to prevent snow roof damage this winter, True Temper designed the new Telescoping Roof Rake. Unlike other roof rakes on the market, True Temper's new model has an elliptically designed handle, which allows for 33 percent more strength and rigidity.  The sturdy design allows homeowners to extend the rake 17' while maintaining complete control of the tool, and without comprising performance against wet and heavy snow. Additionally, in order to accommodate the heights of a variety of roofs, the True Temper Roof Rake's telescoping handle can be easily locked to the given length desired. 

With the right tool and proper know-how homeowners can take the necessary steps to prevent serious damage to their homes and properties this winter.  The True Temper Roof Rake is available now at Lowe's and The Home Depot for $46.99.  To learn more about True Temper's Telescoping Roof Rake, and other helpful lawn and garden tools, please visit www.amestruetemper.com

About Ames True Temper^®

Ames True Temper is the leading, as well as the oldest, manufacturer of non-powered lawn and garden tools in the U.S. Headquartered in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (near Harrisburg), the company manufactures and markets a wide variety of long-handled tools, wheelbarrows, cutting tools, garden hoses and hose accessories, striking tools, snow tools, decorative garden accessories and planters.  Ames True Temper brands are among the most recognized across their primary product categories.  Its brand portfolio includes True Temper^®, Ames^®, UnionTools^®, Garant^®, Hound Dog^®, Dynamic Design^®, as well as the commercial offerings under the Jackson^® and Razor-Back^® Professional Tool brands.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery omnibus product on behalf of Ames True Temper, the manufacturers of the True Temper Roof Rake from July 19-21, 2011 among 2,293 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Cara Weigand at 410.821.8220 or [email protected]

*http://www.houselogic.com/articles/terrible-toll-bad-winter-seasons-wicked-weather-cost-how-much

Media Contact: Cara Weigand    
IMRE      
410-821-8220  
[email protected]   

SOURCE Ames True Temper