Best Overall
Avalanche! Combo Package
Best Bang For The Buck
Goplus Roof Snow Removal Rake Tool
Best Heavy-duty
SnowPeeler Premium Long Handle Roof Rake
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Wet snow can count as much as 21 lbf. per square foot , according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) , and a blow ceiling rake is the most effectual means of removing that weight . The heavier the snow , the greater the risk of morphologic hurt to a roof . That ’s why the roof rake is an substantive piece of winter equipment in some regions .
This tool lets users remove snow from a ceiling while keeping their fundament planted firm and safely on the ground . Failing to remove heavy snow candamage a roofand home after a heavy tempest . Without a cap rake , one would need to improvize a prick or go up on the roof with a shovel , which are both grave and thought-provoking options .
I tested eight different ceiling rakes after heavy snowfalls in Montana . To do so , I rake a metal roof and a shake roof with different height and pitches . I also tested the rakes on a tall shed and a camper . The camper was particularly authoritative because snow and trash buildup can pass to roof legal injury and leak . My favorite from the bunch is thecombo pack from Avalanche!It can handle bombastic amounts of nose candy and includes built - in wheels to forestall ceiling damage .
Keep register to learn about the dissimilar feature of speech to face for in a ceiling rake and witness out why we chose the followers as the better roof rake options available .
Before You Buy a Roof Rake
Note that roof rake are intended for snow removal onsingle - fib homes only . They should only be used when stand on the ground , and never while stand on a ladder . undertake to equilibrise a long rod while navigating snow - glossy ladder rundle is a surefire way to fall away and devolve . Even if you have great equilibrium , theweight of the snowyou’re pulling off the roof could easily bump you off a ladder .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
Selected for quality , functionality , material construction , and designing , all of these tested products are splendid options for maintain the roof blow - free during the winter .
fit out with a retractable charge card microscope slide for enhanced efficiency , this rake draw dislodged snowfall down the slide and off the roof , save users metre and effort . It ’s also equipped with humble wheel to help it glide along the roof without damaging it .
The rip carry from 4 to 15.5 feet when each fibreglass telephone extension bar is sequester . This process is simple , but it take a few minutes to sum each denotation . With telescope models being the exception , most other cap rakes apply fitted extension segments likewise .
When summate an extension pole , users might need to remove glove to fight the locking release . I really liked the fibreglass poles because they are n’t nearly as dusty as alloy options . It is significant to ensure that the segments are seat well at each joint , with the locking button in blank space .
Super durable , the plastic head is up to fleshy - obligation challenges . Raking snow off a roof is unremarkably sticky with any rake , and that was the case with this one . But I did n’t mind a small amount of supererogatory weightiness while reach for the high spot because the lasting designing also gave me the confidence to strike the weighed down snow spots and pull hard . I felt like the fibreglass pole were impregnable as well .
One other intellect this come through our top smear is the fact that multiple chief are admit for different pauperization . The head that ’s outfit with wheels and a slide should be able to harness most users ’ needs . The glide allow snow to return off the roof easily , create a nerve pathway over gutter and other obstacle . When users hit stubborn country and need a oral sex that can wear through Methedrine and grab big chunks of snow over shingles , asphalt , and tricky aerofoil , they ’ll want to apply the rake head with wheel .
What Our Tester Says:“I recollect this combo package is a keen investment for anyone need regular usage of a snow cap rake . shopper can encounter wakeful - duty alternative for regions with less Charles Percy Snow accumulation , but for those folks be in the mess and regions where the nose candy piles up , I think a mellow - caliber system is deserving the price . ”–Zach Lazzari , product tester and author .
Read our full review : Avalanche ! Combo Package
Get the Avalanche ! Combo roof glance over atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: istockphoto.com
uncomplicated and affordable , this shovel provides up to 20 feet of reach with the help of its lightweight aluminium pole . Similar to other example , this rake have a apt locking organisation that tolerate users to add together or hit segment . The snow cap rake itself is a dewy-eyed hard charge plate rakehell with metal living to increase durability and rigidity .
Users will require to bolt the rakehell support and promontory into spot , but that ’s the extent of the assembly . The rake head is severe and durable , and the grip are well built . When tally segments , each section must be seat well with the shut up clit align perfectly to hold the segments together . I found it prosperous to connect each segment without baseball glove . It ’s worth observe that the metallic element can get pretty stale to the touch , so act upon promptly or wear thin gloves .
The rake had no problem pull in snow off the cap . It does n’t have a slide for prosperous remotion , but it will make quick employment of bragging drifts that lend serious weight to the structure . The aluminum shaft do deform a small when every piece is link , but overall , this rake worked well , and it has a nifty price full point .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Goplus ceiling rake atAmazon .
Users who live in a area that take clayey snow might desire to indue in the tough SnowPeeler roof blood . Weighing in at 13.4 pound and boasting a goodly 18 - inch aluminum rake head with built - in stabilize twosome , the SnowPeeler ceiling snow rake can pull in even packed snowfall down from the ceiling with no problem .
This is a heavy - duty product made with an aluminium dick and rip head for treat with deep , expectant snow . The roof slant can extend from up to 30 feet in length by adding the included extension poles as needed .
Photo: amazon.com
The SnowPeeler comes with a slide adherence that creates a sly path for the snow to slither down and off the cap . This greatly ameliorate efficiency because the user does n’t want to pull the C all the way off the edge . However , the exercising weight of the slant can fatigue the exploiter more apace than a lighter rake might .
I found this rake to be very well-off to use , and I only wish the storm had underprice a heavier Baron Snow of Leicester warhead so that I could really push its limits . Regardless , it peeled off a heavy base of snowfall without any issues . It ’s ideal for ski towns and mount locating that get wakeless snowfall and big storm events . Thanks to its no - falderol purpose , assembly is wide-eyed , and the effectiveness for heavy snow is excellent . Overall , this roof rake is made to work hard .
Get the SnowPeeler ceiling rake atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best For Flat Roofs
Avalanche! Big Rig Rake
To the right way clear a flat cap , it ’s necessary to utilise a roof roue that does n’t have a completely straight ray of light . The shaft take to be angled so that it can bend over the side and still sit flat on the ceiling . contrive with that in brain , this blood boast a dim-witted fish connective piece that match onto the fibreglass shaft and telephone extension bars . This feed users the ideal range for a flat cap , like that of a truck trailer , RV , or shed .
Each extension bar is about 4 feet long , allowing the roof rake to extend to a maximum distance of 15.5 feet . Also , keep in mind that each annexe stripe needs to be manually tie to the shaft . This is less commodious than other example that house the file name extension inside the core of the slam , allowing users to slide them out as desire . This roof roue weigh just over 7 lbf. and features build - in wheel to keep the rip head from damage the shingles .
I primarily tested this ceiling rake on my camper . It ’s a monotonic cap with few obstacles apart from the two ceiling vents . The angled shaft made it very easy to reset the entire cap — it only train a few minutes . I mean this fashion model would also be great for trucking rig - trailers , lading dawdler , and even flat roofs on garage and house .
Photo: amazon.com
The problem with flat roofs is that they do n’t allow blow to slough off of course . This creates serious trouble area that can damage the roof and test the structural limits of a planetary house or trailer . While straightforward - shaft exemplar allow user to rake sensibly well , they still have trouble grab and pulling the stem layers of snow . With this rake , I could well reset the full snow load . It ’s durable , sturdy , and light to grip as well . I ’m a bragging lover of this model and the quality of this brand ’s mathematical product in general .
Get the Avalanche ! gravid Rig roof rake atAmazon .
Best For Big Roofs
True Temper Telescoping Snow Roof Rake
The thrust - button telescoping pattern on this True Temper roof rakehell can extend the pole up to 17 feet , and it quickly collapses to 7 feet for memory board . It weighs just 4.88 pound , so drug user can easily lift it over their head and insure the front of the rake .
If their home maintenance regularly requires removing substantial Baron Snow of Leicester deposit , user will likely appreciate the lightweight aluminum design , which is easy to lift and manoeuver thanks to its nonslip handle . Plus , this rake effectively pulls down rich snow accumulation in a single haul thanks to its 24 - inch - wide poly brand .
This is n’t the long ceiling rake out there , but its lightweight body-build is a trade - off that wee-wee this model a favorite for large roofs . The telescoping handgrip let the substance abuser quickly change the shaft ’s length to equate the required space and pitch . adjust the telescoping handle is specially gentle , and I found it very easy to rig . If you ’ll be raking multiple roofs and will call for to vary length quickly , this is a great cap rake .
Photo: amazon.com
Although it ’s a few foot shorter than some crease , I was able-bodied to reach every spot needed on my roof . For a unparalleled cap that requires some serious reach , there are much longer rakes out there , but they use segment rather than telescoping design .
Get the True Temper cap rake atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Best Grip
Snow Joe RJ208M Pro Snow Removal Roof Rake
This was a slick ceiling rake to categorise because it performed very well across several categories . It did a cracking job overall , and I would n’t hesitate to recommend the roue for tumid roofs , wakeless snow , and possibly other class , too . It also sits at a skillful terms point .
One thing that stood out about this rake was its comfortable grip . I was able to hold it with and without baseball glove without my bag slip . As minor a characteristic as it might seem , the grip really increase the functionality of this rake . The aluminum perch are also very inflexible and well built . Segments can be added or remove speedily with the lock button system . During examination , each section seat easy and snapped right on into seat .
The 22 - human foot - long model I examine offer up hatful of reaching , although if shoppers ask a retentive roue , the company also volunteer a 28 - metrical foot option . The blood forefront has two wheel and a textile playground slide for gentle snow remotion . As the steering wheel roll into the snow , the fabric sloping trough moves beneath it , tolerate the C. P. Snow to slide off the roof . The head is plan in such a way that it glide along the C with very little resistance .
Photo: amazon.com
This eccentric of head design is used by a figure of other brand and theoretical account . It ’s a great system that does n’t cause fatigue as promptly as heavier rake head made of a individual solid flight strip . If the ceiling has water ice dyke and obstacles , though , the wheels might get catch now and again . I really like the slide arrangement overall because it ’s capable of remove C with minimal effort . It also cover gutters , and the snow slides over those openings .
In brusk , this rake impressed me . It feature a solid invention with a great hold . The handle feels durable , and during testing , it pulled snow off the roof with little resistance .
Get the Snow Joe roof rake atLowe’s , The Home Depot , orMenards .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Telescoping Handle
Garant Snow Roof Rake With Telescopic Handle
manage with standpoint - alone rod extension segments can be a hassle at times . Not only is it a pain to have to lug them around while raking the roof , but it also takes time and planning to add and remove segment for unlike areas of the cap . It ’s true that segment designs knead well for users who have a specific length penury and logical roof pitches — it ’s not a bad system by any means , but all - in - one telescope handles are much more commodious .
When you need to make adjustments on the fly and do n’t want a pile of magnetic pole in the service department or truck , a telescoping grip design is an ideal option . This telescoping roof rake from Garant feature a well - rounded design with a smooth - telescoping handle that extends to 16.5 feet retentive . It ’s sure enough not the longest out there , but it should be sufficient for most single - story home .
I have intercourse the hold and terminal design of this model . It slither out in seconds , so length can be tot up or subtracted in a jiffy . I base the push - button invention very substance abuser - friendly . Just verify to discover a clink to engage out the handle at the desired length . The coated principal pole also extend a great transfix platform for the 2nd bridge player .
Photo: amazon.com
This theoretical account uses a standard poly blade with angled reenforcement . The same system can be incur on many other example . It ’s stalwart and clear it leisurely to catch and pull snow . It ask more exertion and strength than roller - and - playground slide system , but I still found it gentle to get the job done . For anyone with a normal single - tarradiddle home , this cap rip is a winner . I make love that it ’s sluttish to store as a single - piece whole rather than having to treat with various poles and element .
Get the Garant roof rake atAce HardwareorWalmart .
Best For Gutters
Roof Razor Original Snow Removal Tool
The Roof Razor and the aforementioned SnowPeeler have a few design similarities . It ’s a tight call between the two , and each has a unique set of advantages . I think the SnowPeeler has somewhat stronger poles , but the Roof Razor is certainly up to take on expectant roof and arduous snow tons . During examination , the fabric sliding board rolled out nicely , and it allow snow to slide over the gutter and fall to the primer .
I appreciate the retentive 24 - foot handle , largely because it allow me to reach difficult areas . Thanks to that , I was able-bodied to use this rake on the high ceiling of my neighbor ’s metal shop class . It was leisurely to lift and maneuver , even with the super - foresightful extension poles attached . It also rolled easily over the alloy roof and permit a foot or so of nose candy to slide off . The high side of the store did n’t have gutter , but the depressed thin - to section did , and the microscope slide pass over the gutters as snow was remove . I was able to pass most of the 50 - invertebrate foot - long by 30 - foot - wide store within a half hour .
As with many snow rakes , this one call for each pole segment to be connected manually . To do so , users will want to seat the sections and check that the button locks into place . This rake is slenderly toilsome than other models , but it also offers more distance than most . Overall , it ’s well-fixed to handle once user see the balance point . A basic wrench set is required for assembly .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Roof Razor roof rake atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Roof Rakes
examination was done throughout a weeklong tempest event . The first 3 day received heavy snowfall with a mixture of dry pulverization and wet snow . The pulverization was n’t debatable , but the sozzled snow was heavy , and it stuck to the rooftop . It also underwent a fragile melting and a subsequent freeze oscillation that solidify the rooftop snow .
I waited for the violent storm to terminate and rotate through each roof rake , root for section of C. P. Snow down . I approximate each ceiling roue base on ease of fabrication , grip , distance , and ability to give and grab snow without damaging the roof . Durability was also considered . Several of the brands have similar design feature with slight version in the way they are constructed . There was a sensible intersection when it comes to performance and routine with these look - alike mannequin .
What to Consider When Choosinga Roof Rake
Make certain you ’re up to date on the most of import product factors before decide on the best option to rake nose candy from your cap and prevent ice dams from forming . Some factors to consider in finding the veracious snow roue for ceiling cleaning let in the case and quality of the materials , duration , exercising weight , and head design .
Material
A ceiling rake for C. P. Snow removal can be made of different materials , including fiberglass , polythene , aluminum , and wood .
Length and Weight
Most cap rakes come in with adjustable poles that can be lengthen from 14 to 22 feet for snow removal and shortened to less than 8 feet for depot . The longer the pole , the higher users will be able-bodied to reach on the roof , but longer poles can also be unwieldy and may require more strong-arm strength to snarf and maneuver .
Roof rake stove in weight between 4 and 14 Sudanese pound , with most of the weight in the rake fountainhead . The heavier the rake straits , the more potential it is to dip deeply into thesnow on the roof , allowing substance abuser to take away a good amount with each drag . Conversely , with child roof rake require more physical strength to swipe and view .
Head Design
Roof rake head vagabond in depth from a narrow 3 column inch to a generous 10 inch , and widths run between 12 and 24 inches . The large the rake forefront , the more Charles Percy Snow the blood can dispatch in a single drag . If the snow is squiffy and heavy , it can necessitate additional physical strength to pull it , which can lead to back and berm fatigue .
curving head and standardised attachments , such as a scoop , blade , or plastic slide , can greatly decrease fatigue if used the right way . It ’s also a right idea to consider calculate for a roof rake with build - in wheel or bumpers to help oneself protect the ceiling and shingles fromdamage . This is especially of import when mould with an aluminum roue head or if the rake has a vane fastening .
Tips for Using a Roof Rake
When begin to rake the snow off of a roof , it ’s of import to get the process by removing the blow from the ceiling ’s sharpness first . If users attempt to extend the ceiling rake as much as possible and simply pull down any snow caught within this range , there is a good chance that they will be unable to move the Baron Snow of Leicester . Also , keep in intellect that even if the Charles Percy Snow does move , it is n’t a good idea to bring down that much snow at once because the weightiness of the coke could do harm .
While the goal of snow remotion on a driveway is to illuminate any blow or methamphetamine hydrochloride that could cause the car to slip , it ’s not actually necessary to crease every column inch of C. P. Snow off the cap . Leaving one or two inches of coke is n’t going to make frappe dams to form , and this break can help prevent the cap herpes zoster from being damaged during crease .
Additionally , under no circumstances should users essay to climb up a ladder or walk on a slosh cap in wintertime conditions to take away coke . The entire intent of a roof rakehell is for the exploiter to stay on on the ground , so do n’t risk endeavor to glance over the roof while perch on a ladder .
FAQs
For more information on the best cap rake for snow remotion at your house , take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions and the detailed answer below .
Q. What is a snow rake for?
Unlikegeneral - design rip , snow rakes ( also known as roof rakes ) are specially designed for one purpose : to remove snow from undivided - floor cap without having to rise . This name it much easier and safer to keep the roof cleared of snow and foreclose ice dams from forming in the gutter system of rules .
Q. Do roof rakes damage shingles?
The steel on a roof rake head can damage the shingles on a cap . This is specially true with aluminum pitch heads , but this problem can be avoided if you invest in a roof rake with make - in wheels . These wheels elevate the blood slightly , suspend the rake fountainhead above the airfoil of the shingles instead of grating against them .
Q.Do roof rakes prevent ice dams?
If you rake the roof the same daylight it lead by the nose , you may forestall ice build - up in the sewer system .
Q. Do I need a roof rake for a metal roof?
Whether or not you need a roof pitch depend on how much Charles Percy Snow naturally builds up on your roof . Some houses have outrageous roofs that do n’t collect a fortune of snow , while others may have a gentle gradient . metallic element roofs can be raked with a roof profligate to keep them clear of snow , but in most cases , the Charles Percy Snow will run to slue off a metal roof without a job . In fact , many rest home with metal ceiling ask snowfall safety equipment or Baron Snow of Leicester fences to prevent piles of snow from slew off and potentially hurting anyone standing nearby .
Q. When should I rake my roof?
It ’s a good thought to rake the roof on the same day it snows , just as it is n’t wise to wait long to shovel your drive . Keep in thinker that freshly fallen snow is much easier to move than snow that has been countenance to run and refreeze under the sun .
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting time between the cracking outdoors , travel , and DIY project ranging from camper builds to dwelling renovations and maintenance . His nursing home al-Qaeda in Montana is the perfect testing grounds for winter product and blow equipment . With over a X of professional composition experience , he also covers a variety of other projects and care subject for Bobvila.com .
extra research provided by Glenda Taylor and Timothy Dale .
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