Wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds per square foot, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The heavier the snow, the greater the risk of structural damage to roofs. That’s why a roof rake can be an important piece of equipment in winter.
This tool enables you to remove snow from the roof while you remain firmly and safely on the ground. Keep reading to learn about the different features to look for in a roof rake, and find out why we’ve chosen the following as the best roof rake options available.
- BEST OVERALL: True Temper Telescoping Snow Roof Rake
- BEST BUDGET: Snow Joe Telescoping Snow Shovel Roof Rake
- BEST COMPACT: Gymax Extendable Roof Rake
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: SNOWPEELER Roof Snow Removal Tool
- BEST FOR SHINGLES: Extreme Max Roof Rake
- BEST FOR FLAT ROOFS: Avalanche! Snow Roof Rake for Flat Roofs
- BEST MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Avalanche! 1000 Combo Roof Snow Removal System
- HONORABLE MENTION: Garant Yukon Poly Blade Snow Roof Rake
- ALSO CONSIDER: Avalanche! Traditional Snow Roof Rake
Before You Buy a Roof Rake
Note that roof rakes are intended for snow removal at single-story homes only. They should only be used when you’re standing on the ground, never on a ladder. Attempting to balance a long pole while navigating snow-slick ladder rungs is a surefire way to slip and fall. Even if you have great balance, the weight of the snow pulling off the roof could easily knock you off a ladder.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Roof Rake
Make sure that you are up to date on the most important product factors before deciding on the best snow removal rake to help prevent ice dams and rake snow from your roof. Some factors to take into consideration for the purpose of finding the right snow rake for roof cleaning include the material, length, weight, and head design
Material
A roof rake for snow removal can be made of several different types of material including fiberglass, polyethylene, aluminum, and wood.
- Fiberglass is a durable, lightweight material that is commonly used to make the shaft of a roof rake. This provides substantial support to the users, allowing them to push and pull snow without worrying about handling a heavy or fragile shaft.
- Polyethylene is a type of plastic used to make the rake head. It’s tough, weather-resistant, and affordable, though aluminum is a more durable option.
- Aluminum is great for use as both a shaft and rake head, though the hard metal can scratch or tear shingles. To avoid this issue, invest in a roof rake with wheels to help keep the edge of the roof rake just off the top of the roof.
- Wood is never used for a roof rake head because it will begin to break down and decay with excessive exposure to water or snow. However, wood can be used to make the roof rake shaft and functions similarly to fiberglass.
Length and Weight
Most roof rakes come with adjustable poles that can be lengthened from 14 to 22 feet for snow removal and shortened to less than 8 feet for storage. The longer the pole, the higher you’ll be able to reach on the roof, but longer poles can also be unwieldy and may require more physical strength to lift and maneuver.
Roof rakes range in weight between four and 14 pounds, with most of the weight in the rake head. The heavier the rake head, the more likely it is to sink deeply into the snow on the roof, allowing you to remove a good amount with each pull. On the flip side, heavy roof rakes require more physical strength to lift and position.
Head Design
Roof rake heads range in depth from a narrow three inches to a generous 10 inches, and widths run between 12 to 24 inches. The larger the rake head, the more snow the rake can remove in a single pull, but if the snow is wet and heavy, it can require additional physical strength to pull it, which can lead to back and shoulder fatigue.
Curved heads and interchangeable attachments, like a scoop, blade, or plastic slide can greatly decrease fatigue if they are used properly. It’s also a good idea to consider looking for a roof rake with built-in wheels or bumpers in order to help protect the roof and the shingles from damage. This is especially important when working with an aluminum rake head or if the rake has a blade attachment.
Our Top Picks
Selected for the quality of the product, functionality, material construction, and head design, these top products are an excellent option for keeping your roof snow-free during the winter season.
Photo: amazon.com
The push-button telescoping design on this True Temper roof rake will extend the pole up to 17 feet for easily reaching one-story roofs—and, when the job is complete, collapse it to just about 7 feet for storage. It weighs just 4 pounds, so users can easily lift it over their heads and control the movement of the rake.
If a user’s home maintenance regularly requires removing substantial snow deposits, they will appreciate the lightweight aluminum True Temper roof rake, which is easy to lift and comfortable to maneuver thanks to its nonslip handle. Plus, this rake is effective at pulling down deep snow accumulations in a single draw thanks to its 24-inch-wide poly blade.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 7 to 17 feet
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, polyethylene head
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy push-button extension
- Comfortable nonslip handle
Cons
- Polyethylene head may crack or chip
Photo: amazon.com
Investing in this affordable roof rake is a good idea for users that live in areas with frequent heavy snowfall because this roof rake by Snow Joe has an oversized, 25-inch rake head to improve snow removal. In addition to the broad rake head, this product can also extend from a length of just 6.2 feet up to 21 feet, ensuring that users have an impressively long reach while standing on the ground.
When the user extends the roof rake, they only need to twist the twist-and-lock couplings to secure the rake at the ideal length. The snow rake is made with a hollow aluminum shaft and a polyethylene rake head with a total weight of just 4.8 pounds. Just keep in mind that hollow aluminum can be dented, bent, or crushed by excess weight and polyethylene can be susceptible to cracking or chipping.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 6.2 to 21 feet
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, polyethylene head
Pros
- Highly affordable tool
- Lightweight design
- Twist and lock extension system
- Oversized 25-inch rake head
Cons
- Polyethylene head is vulnerable to cracking or chipping
- Aluminum shaft may bend
Photo: amazon.com
If storage is a concern in the home, garage, or shed, then it’s better to opt for a compact roof rake, like this product by Gymax that measures just 5 feet in length when it’s disassembled. When it’s time to clean the roof, connect the 5-foot extension poles to increase the maximum length of this rake to 20 feet, ensuring that users can remove built-up snow without a problem.
The roof rake has an aluminum shaft and an aluminum rake head, so users don’t need to worry about the tool getting damaged during use. It also comes with built-in wheels to help protect the shingles from the hard, aluminum rake blade.
At just 4 pounds, this durable roof rake is a great option, though it does take some additional time to add and remove each five-foot extension piece, so factor this delay into the total time it takes to clear the roof.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 5 to 20 feet
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, aluminum head
Pros
- Affordable tool
- Lightweight design
- Equipped with wheels to protect the roof
- Easy to store and transport
Cons
- Adding/removing sections slows job completion
Photo: amazon.com
For users that live in a region that gets heavy snow, invest in the tough SNOWPEELER roof rake. Weighing in at 9.1 pounds and boasting a sizable, 18-inch aluminum rake head with built-in stabilizing braces, the SNOWPEELER roof rake can pull even packed snow down from the roof with no problem.
This is a heavy-duty product made with an aluminum shaft and rake head for dealing with tough or deep snow. The roof rake can extend from just 5 feet up to 20 feet in length by adding each of the four included 5-foot extension poles.
The SNOWPEELER comes with a slide attachment that creates a slick path for the snow to slide down and off the roof. This greatly improves efficiency because the user doesn’t need to pull the snow all the way down off the edge. Although, the weight of the rake can make the user fatigued at a faster rate compared to a lighter tool.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 5 to 20 feet
- Weight: 9.1 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, aluminum head
Pros
- Suitable for heavy snowfall
- Slide attachment improves efficiency
- Stabilizing bracers improve control
Cons
- Heavier than other rakes; may cause user fatigue
Photo: amazon.com
When the snow begins piling up on the roof and ice starts forming in the gutter system it’s clear that the snow needs to be removed to prevent ice dams, but basic roof rakes can cause damage to the shingles. To ensure that the snow can be cleared without ruining the roof, invest in this impressive roof rake that comes with built-in wheels to prevent the aluminum rake head blade from tearing into the shingles.
The shaft of this tool extends from 6 to 21 feet in length, though users need to manually add each 5-foot extension piece to increase the length instead of the extension poles simply sliding out of the shaft.
Despite this drawback, the aluminum shaft is durable and lightweight, with the entire tool weighing just 5.75 pounds. While that isn’t the lightest roof rake available, it isn’t so heavy that it would cause excessive user fatigue.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 6 to 21 feet
- Weight: 5.75 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, aluminum head
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Modest weight, though not the lightest option
- Large 24-inch rake head
- Built-in wheels protect the roof
Cons
- Extension poles do not slide out of the shaft
Photo: amazon.com
To properly clear a flat roof, it’s necessary to have a roof rake that doesn’t have a completely straight shaft. The shaft needs to be angled so that it can bend over the side and still sit flat on the roof. The Avalanche! roof rake accomplishes this goal with a simple angled connector piece that connects to the aluminum shaft and extension bars, giving users the ideal reach for a flat roof, like that of a truck trailer, RV, or shed.
Each extension bar is about 4 feet in length, allowing the roof rake to extend to a maximum length of 16 feet. Also, keep in mind that each piece needs to be manually added in, instead of simply sliding out of the shaft and locking in place. This roof rake weighs about eight pounds and it features built-in wheels to keep the aluminum rake head from damaging the shingles.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 4 to 16 feet
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, aluminum head
Pros
- Sharp angled shaft for accessing flat roofs
- Built-in wheels protect the roof
- Comfortable nonslip handle
Cons
- Heavier than other roof rakes
- Not ideal for sloped roofs
Photo: amazon.com
This roof rake comes with a retractable plastic slide for enhanced efficiency. The dislodged snow goes down the slide and off the roof, saving users time and effort. It’s also equipped with wheels to help prevent damage to the roof.
The rake extends from just 4 to 16 feet when each of the fiberglass extension bars are attached. This process is time-consuming, but the amount of time saved with the plastic slide makes up for it.
The stainless steel head is incredibly durable, however, steel is more vulnerable to rusting and corrosion than either polyethylene or aluminum. Additionally, the 11-pound weight can increase user fatigue, so it’s important to take frequent breaks.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 4 to 16 feet
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Material: Fiberglass shaft, stainless steel head
Pros
- Heavy-duty design
- Suitable for large amounts of snow
- Retractable slide attachment
- Built-in wheels protect the roof
Cons
- Weighs more than most roof rakes
- Adding and removing sections slows job completion
Photo: amazon.com
While costing less than many competing roof rakes, the Garant roof rake delivers exceptional performance and helps to prevent ice dams from clogging the gutter system. It may be overkill if the area only gets a few inches of snow now and again. But if home maintenance regularly requires removing substantial snow deposits, the user will appreciate the impressive length of the 15-foot Garant roof rake.
It has a 24-inch-wide polyethylene rake head and the shaft of the roof rake is made of ultra-light aluminum, making it easy to lift and maneuver. This product weighs just 4.8 pounds and also comes with an anti-slip grip to prevent the user’s hands or gloves from sliding off the tool while it’s in use.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 5 to 15 feet
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, polyethylene head
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to lift and maneuver
- Broad 24-inch roof rake head
- Comfortable nonslip grip
Cons
- Polyethylene head is vulnerable to cracking or chipping
Photo: amazon.com
With a 24-inch polyethylene rake head and a 7-pound weight, this Avalanche! roof rake is very easy to maneuver and a fine choice for removing light snow. To use this tool, simply snap together the five 4-foot extension poles to form a 20-foot aluminum shaft. It should be mentioned that having to add or remove each of the five extension shafts does take extra time.
This Avalanche! rake has a set of orange wheels built into the base to protect the shingles from damage during snow removal. It also has a nonslip handle grip for better control of the rake. When work is done for the day, the shaft disassembles for compact storage; to help with this, the rake comes with a mounting bracket for storing on a wall in the garage or shed.
Product Specs
- Length: Extendable from 4 to 20 feet
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Material: Aluminum shaft, polyethylene head
Pros
- Broad 24-inch rake head
- Wheels protect the roof from damage
- Storage bracket included for mounting
- Comfortable nonslip handle
Cons
- Five extension shafts take time to manually add or remove
Our Verdict
A lightweight design, 17-foot reach, and easy push-button extension make the True Temper roof rake a top choice for most snow clearing needs. If you prefer a more affordable option or want more reach, the 21-foot extendable Snow Joe roof rake is a great alternative, although it weighs slightly more.
How We Chose the Best Roof Rakes
Roof rakes are relatively simple devices used to remove snow from a first-story home without having to climb a ladder or leave the ground. With this purpose in mind, products were researched extensively to put together this selection of top roof rakes. The length, weight, material construction, and any extra features that improved the functionality of the tool, like an extendable reach, built-in slide, or wheels.
In order for a roof rake to be selected, it needed to be long enough to comfortably clear snow from the roof without the user needing to climb a ladder. Additionally, the roof rake had to be lightweight, so that the user could hold the rake overhead and control the strokes of the tool. Preference was given to products with high-quality materials and any extra features that made a roof rake stand out from similar competitors.
Tips for Using a Roof Rake
When you start to rake the snow off of your roof it’s important to begin the process by removing the snow from the edge of the roof first. If you attempt to extend the roof rake as much as possible and simply pull down any snow caught within this range there is a good chance that you will be unable to move the snow. Also, keep in mind that even if the snow does move, it isn’t a good idea to bring down that much snow at once because the weight of the snow could hurt you or someone nearby.
While the goal of snow removal on a driveway is to clear any snow or ice that could cause the car to slip, you don’t actually need to rake every inch of snow off the roof. Leaving one or two inches of snow isn’t going to cause ice dams to form and this gap can help prevent the shingles from being damaged during raking.
Additionally, under no circumstances should you attempt to climb a ladder or walk on a sloped roof in winter conditions simply for the sake of snow removal. The entire purpose of a roof rake is for the user to remain on the ground, so don’t take the risk of trying to rake the roof while perched on a ladder.
- Start at the edge of the roof and work your way towards the center of the roof.
- The roof doesn’t need to be completely bare.
- Do not climb up a ladder or sloped roof in winter.
FAQs
For more information on the best roof rake for snow removal at your home, take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions and the detailed answers below.
Q: What is a snow rake for?
A snow rake or a roof rake is used to remove snow from single-story roofs without having to leave the ground. This makes it much easier and safer to keep the roof clear of snow and prevent ice dams from forming in the gutter system.
Q: Do roof rakes damage shingles?
The blade on a roof rake head can damage the shingles on a roof. This is especially true with aluminum rake heads, but this problem can be avoided if you invest in a roof rake with built-in wheels that allow the roof rake head to remain just above the surface of the shingles, instead of sliding down directly on the shingles.
Q:Do roof rakes prevent ice dams?
Just owning a roof rake doesn’t do much to prevent ice dams. You or someone else in the home needs to use the roof rake when it snows to remove the snow from the roof. If this task is completed the same day that it snows, then you can prevent ice build up in the gutter system.
Q: Do you need a roof rake for a metal roof?
Whether you need a roof rake or not depends on the amount of snow that naturally builds up on your home. Some houses have steep roofs that don’t collect a lot of snow, while others may have a gentle slope. Metal roofs can be raked with a roof rake to keep them clear of snow, but in most cases the snow will tend to slide off a metal roof without a problem. In fact, many homes with metal roofs actually need snow guards or snow fences to prevent piles of snow from sliding off and potentially hurting anyone standing nearby.
Q: When should you rake your roof?
It’s a good idea to rake the roof on the same day it snows, similar to the frequency with which you would clear your driveway. Keep in mind that freshly fallen snow is much easier to move than snow that has been allowed to melt and refreeze under the sun.
