What’s the best roof rake?

Asked by: Shawn Johansen

Never, never use a roof rake or try to shovel snow off a slanted roof. It will do no good, will not cure ice dams, is extremely hazardous, and can harm asphalt shingles, and in your case, slate shingles. And it will take away snow that is a natural insulator as long as it stays on your house.

Are roof rakes effective?

Never, never use a roof rake or try to shovel snow off a slanted roof. It will do no good, will not cure ice dams, is extremely hazardous, and can harm asphalt shingles, and in your case, slate shingles. And it will take away snow that is a natural insulator as long as it stays on your house.

When should you use a roof rake?

If your roof is flat or has a low slope, roof raking is definitely a must once the snow gets to be about 6 inches or more. If your roof has a higher pitch, it’s still something to consider, especially if the snow is wet and heavy and it is building up.

How do you make a roof rake?

So I decided eight let's build a roof rake and get off I grabbed a scrap piece of 4 inch PVC. And cut off an end and then I cleaned off the burrs ran. It through the table saw to slice it in half.

What is an ice rake?

A roof snow rake is like a 20-ft-long aluminum hoe that homeowners us to lighten the structural load on their roof and to reduce the formation of an ice dam (the only true solution to ice dams, though, is to carefully air seal, ventilate and insulate the attic).

What are the different types of roof rakes?

Roof rake blades come in two styles: a scoop (shaped like a traditional snow shovel) or a slicer (which functions a bit like a cheese slicer). Scoop blades are designed to be placed at the top of the roof and dragged towards the ground. This allows gravity to help clear the snow, but it also has two downsides.

How long of a roof rake do I need?

Ranches are no problem for any of the roof rakes on this site. Their low roof edges make it easy to reach all the way to the top. 21 Feet long should be more than sufficient.

Will a roof rake prevent ice dams?

Using a long-handled roof rake to removing the snow from at least at lower 4 feet of roof edge can help prevent ice dams from forming. This is the only safe way to remove snow from a roof; never get onto a roof to remove snow in the winter.

Does roof raking help prevent ice dams?

To help prevent ice dams and icicles. You can use a roof rake to remove a couple feet of snow from the bottom of your roof ice dams can get heavy enough to damage your gutter and they can also block

Is it bad to leave snow on your roof?

What are the benefits of leaving snow on your roof? Some roof snow can actually be good for your home! A light layer of snow can offer some insulation to your home, which in turn, can lower your heating bill a bit. Allowing some snow to remain on your roof protects your home from the subzero temperatures we often see.

Do roof rakes damage shingles?

You’ll damage your roof rake and the roof. Many people have pulled down shingles from their roof tugging at them with a roof rake. Remember there’s frozen water above and below the shingles. Once the snow is no longer there to feed the ice dam it will start to diminish in size.

When should you rake snow off your roof?

If your main goal is to prevent ice dams, you should clear your roof after about every 6” of snowfall. But if your main concern is a roof collapse, then raking your roof after every 12” or more of snowfall should be adequate.