Have you ever had the stress of so much snow build-up on your roof you’re scared it’s going to fall on someone or damage your roof?
You are not alone!
We all dream of an simple solution to this common problem, and it’s actually easier than you think. Enter the humble roof rake!
Snow removal is an essential part of winter maintenance. It’s also a major headache. If you’re looking for a snow roof rake that will get the job done, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll cover the best snow roof rakes for snow removal and how to choose the right one for your roof.
Remember, the best snow rake for your roof is not necessarily the most well-known or most expensive, but one that suits you and your needs personally.
Having too much snow on your roof can not only be dangerous but heavy snow can put your roof at risk of damage. In fact, one of the biggest causes of structural damage to roofs being the formation of ice dams. However, one of the ice dami prevention measures you can take is to regularly rake any excess snow from the roof.
Quick safety tip: Never attempt to climb onto a roof yourself, and be very of any nearby power lines if using a roof rake of considerable length.
Buyers Guide: Choosing The Right Snow Roof Rake
Buying the right tool for your personal needs is important and you need to take into consideration a few factors. A good example of this is that not everyone has the same amount of upper body strength.
You will be wasting your money by buying a rake that you cannot lift and use at the height required.
Whilst I’m on the subject, never ever try to use a roof rake while standing on a ladder. This isn’t just because the snow will be heading straight at you (which is obvious), but you will have extreme balance issues that your life.
How To Choose A Roof Snow Rake
Although there are several ways you can use to remove snow from your roof. For a single-story building, using a roof rake for snow is the most common and easiest.
Snow roof rakes are designed with different features depending on the method they use. Below are the key points to think about before buying.
Design
There are two basic designs available, the scoop and the slicer. The scoop does what the name suggests and scoops the snow up which you then pull down off of the roof. Whereas the slice is a push-pull snow removal system that uses a blade and plastic slide.
Size
The size of the roof rake required not only depends on the size of your roof, but also the amount of snow it receives each year. A larger roof may require a bigger/wider snow rake than if you have a smaller roof.
Weight
Depending on your preferred material some roof rakes will weigh less than others, making them easier to handle. When you consider this, a lot depends on whether you plan to remove snow yourself or have someone help you.
Material
There are two main types of material used when making snow roof rakes- plastic and metal. Plastic ones tend to be cheaper but wear out faster, while metal ones are stronger and more durable.
Pole Length & Design
The length of the pole needed will depend on the roof, and the capabilities of the user. There are two different types available on the market. The first is a system using extension rods, and the second is a telescoping handle.
Each has pros and cons and is really down to personal preference and availability to match the rake head required.
Rake Head
All snow roof rakes should be designed with a slight bend, this allows for easier snow clearing. However, this angle can vary from tool to tool so is worth checking out before buying. The head also comes with a choice of wheels or no wheels, personally, I prefer having the wheels. That way I know that I am far less likely to damage the roof.
So now that you know the main features to look out for, let me show you what I’ve got.
6 Best Snow Roof Rakes: My Top Picks For Canada
I took a look at some of the very best available right now, in a variety of categories so you can hopefully choose the one that fits your needs and budget best.
My #1 Pick: Avalanche Roof Rake – Original 500 Snow Removal System
I’m starting this list of roof rakes for snow removal with my top pick, The Avalanche Original 500 Roof Snow Removal System. Although I have to admit, it is at the top end of the price range, in my mind, it’s worth it.
The avalanche roof rake is a great choice for those who want an easy-to-use and effective way to remove snow and one that will last them many years. It has been designed by professionals and tested in real-world conditions. Meaning that you can buy with confidence.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
The Avalanche 500 features 1.5-inch wheels and is safe for use on asphalt shingles, but, maybe you need more clearance. No worries, there’s also the option of the larger Avalanche 750 model featuring 3-inch wheels. If you would like more details on this product pop over and read my detailed Avalanche 750 snow roof rake review.
It comes complete with everything needed to get your home ready for winter including-Avalanche Roof Snow Removal Kit – Includes 2 x Telescopic Extension Poles, 4x Locking Hand
It seems small at just 17″ x 8″, however the manufacturer’s boast that it can actually “remove a ton of snow per minute”, which is a huge amount. Weighing in at 10lb this roof rake for snow has a length of 16ft.
Best For Light Snow: Garant GPRRU4R Yukon Snow Rake
Now for something that is totally different, in the way that it is a pull action only with this Garant Yukon roof rake.
When compared to the push-pull system of the Avalanche option I must admit that to a certain extent it will require slightly more effort on your part. However, there are people that don’t get on with the push-pull and if you are fit and healthy this is one of the best roof rakes for snow removal.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
It’s a well-made model that has an extremely light aluminum and anti-slip grip handle. Making it an easy to use and a very versatile tool and one that weighs in at just slightly more than 4lb. It’s simple to move around and light, although some customers have complained that it is maybe a little too flexible. But, what pole of 15ft isn’t a bit flexible and wobbly when removing snow.
Featuring a 24-inch polyethylene blade and a 15ft handle made up of three sections at 5ft each. It’s worth noting that this option does not feature rollers or wheels for protecting your roof shingles.
Best For Deep Compacted Snow: SNOWPEELER Snow Removal Tool
I just love the SnowPeeler, it’s great for hard, compacted, and wet snow and makes easy work of it. Although this list is for the best roof rake, this is more of a snow removal tool that cuts through the snow. This rake’s blade packs all the functionalities you would come to expect of a high-quality snow removal tool.
The SnowPeeler design foregoes wheels and features unique protective glide pads that allow users to safely, easily, and quickly get rid of snow no matter what your roof’s surface, without damaging it.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
You can clear your roof 2 to 3 times faster than traditional snow rakes, it’s lightweight and is capable of clearing accumulated snow.
The SnowPeeler features a robust, commercial-grade tapered aluminum cutting blade and snow slide canvas which are both ultra-durable and can scrape through even the toughest hard-packed snow and ice.
Available in two models, with 20 ft. and 30 ft. sectional pole handles respectively as well as different sizes of snow slides.
PolarMade has definitely pulled out all the stops to design these all-in-one snow rake heads that are a blend of premium construction, ergonomics, ease of use, and performance.
Best Telescopic: Snow Joe 21” Telescopic Handle Snow Rake
If you are a regular to this site you will probably know that Snow Joe is one of the leading brands in winter equipment for household use. Snow Joe is always on the lookout for innovative design touches and rather than being a multi-piece construction, this is a telescopic design.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
When at its shortest, the handle is 6ft long and can be extended in one easy move to as long as 21ft. It is extended by a twist and lock motion allowing you to have it at any length between maximum and minimum.
Designed to be light and easy to handle – this rake weighs less than 5lb with a blade width 25” x 6”. Overall a simple design that needs no construction made the expected high quality of Snow Joe products.
Best On A Budget: Ames Inc True Temper Roof Rake
The Ames True Temper definitely earns its place on this list of best roof rakes. Although it is restricted to a maximum reach of 17ft the ingenious push-button telescoping design makes it collapsable for easy storage
It’s made from durable aluminum that gives it the strength lightweight while the blade material is a temperature-resistant plastic that gives weather resistance that improves longevity.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
A 24-inch rake blade with a rubbing strip that gives it extra anti-wear capability. Don’t let the short length of the telescoping handle put you off, this is a very capable device that will allow you to remove snow easily from the 6-8ft needed to help with ice dam prevention. And, after all, not everyone needs a super long pole to rake snow.
Longest Reach: Suncast SRR2100 Snow Roof Rake
The final option on my best roof rakes list is this Suncast roof rake, a standard type of snow roof rake that makes a lot of sense, especially at what is a very decent price.
It’s a typical design – you get four sections, so you can have a minimum of around 6ft and, when all four are together, a full reach of 21ft or increments in between – and it is well-made from quality lightweight aluminum for the handle, for excellent strength and durability.
Insider Tip: Due to Covid-19, snow blower stock is very LIMITED this winter.
** Don't be the only one left on the street shoveling snow, act now & secure a stress-free winter. **
This model has a 24inch x 7inch blade – that’s deeper than many on here and good for heavy falls – that will clear away a lot of snow in a very quick time, and the blade itself is graphite so snow does not stick when wet.
It weighs less than 8lbs when in use, so although not the lightest it’s by no means the heaviest. It is easy to use and well made, and it’s one to look at carefully. This roof rake head is great for clearing leaves and debris from your roof and can also be used for clearing your driveway.
Wrapping Things Up
Well, that’s my list complete – hopefully, you’ve learned enough from me to head out there and confidently buy a roof rake, with a better understanding of the features, pros/cons & uses. To finish off, below is a few common questions I get asked, so before you run off to spend your money, spend 2 minutes to look them over quickly
People Also Ask
Well, that’s all folks, hope you found the roof rake buyer guide a help, and that you are on your way to knowing which design will suit your needs. Below I will just answer a few more often asked questions that may also interest you. Have a safe winter.
Do roof rakes damage shingles?
When used correctly using a roof snow rake for clearing snow will not damage shingles. It is important to understand that you are only trying to remove excess snow. Doing this will still avoid having too much weight on the roof surface, never try removing snow right down to the shingles.
Does roof raking prevent ice dams?
By removing an accumulation of snow from your roof, the first 6-8 feet is usually fine, you will help prevent ice dams. However, this will need to be done after each heavy snowfall and before any ice has formed. Roof rakes are not designed to remove ice.
How do I get snow off my roof?
There are several factors that you need to think about when considering how to get snow off of your roof. If you have a single-story building the I would recommend the use of a snow roof rake. Personally, if your roof is high and cannot be reached with a 21ft pole I would bring in the professionals.
How much snow can a flat roof hold?
On average a residential roof in good condition can hold around 20 pounds of snow per square foot, which is roughly 4 feet of fresh snow. However, not all snow weighs the same, always remove snow when you have 6 inches or more settle.
Note: all roofs are different and this is only meant to be used as a guide. Read my full article on roof snow weights & calculations.
Should you rake your roof?
If you ask a professional snow removal expert, most will tell you that you should aim to rake your roof around every 6 inches of snowfall, when possible.
This helps ensure the weight of the snow does not damage your roof and also prevents ice dams from having the chance to build up.
