7 Best Roof Rakes to Remove Snow
A build up of snow in your roof is something that you will have to deal with almost every other winter. Whereas some people might find the scene attractive it poses a significant risk to your home as it can cause some severe damages to the roof. It is almost impossible to prevent the accumulation of snow on your roof, and so the best you can do is to get a good snow roof rake to help remove it.
Most roof rakes come with long aluminum handles that consist of several pieces that snap or screw together and a large plastic or aluminum blade. The right one for you will depend on the amount of snow that you have to deal with and also what you are willing to spend.
However, knowing some of the top brands in the market and the features to look for in a snow roof rake will make it easy to pick one.
7 Best Roof Rakes - Reviews
Image | Product Name | Blade Material | Length | Weight | Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Garelick 89421 Snow Roof Rake | Aluminum | 21 ft | 5.75 lbs | 4.4 | |
 | 2. Snow Joe RJ204M Twist-n-Lock Telescoping Roof Rake | Aluminum | 21 ft | 4.8 lbs | 4.0 | |
 | 3. Garant GPRR24U Yukon Snow Roof Rake | Polyethylen | 16 ft | 4.21 lbs | 4.5 | |
 | 4. Avalanche SRD20 Snow Rake | Plastic | 20 ft | 5.8 lbs | 4.4 | |
 | 5. True Temper Telescoping Snow Roof Rake | Poly | 17 ft | 4.8 lbs | 4.5 | |
 | 6. Garant Telescopic Snow Roof Rake | Aluminum | 17 ft | 4.5 lbs | 4.6 | |
 | 7. MinnSnowta Dynamo Razor Roof Snow Rake | Aluminum | 24 ft | 11.85 lbs | 4.6 |
#1. Garelick 89421 Aluminum Snow Roof Rake
Editor's Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Garelick 8942 is a light and portable roof rake that will help you get rid of the snow without using a lot of energy. The company makes it with aluminum which is what makes it lightweight and also very durable to ensure you get to use if for many winters.
The aluminum head also has a unique design that prevents ice dams and will not damage the shingles. It has an extra large blade that measures 24 by 7 inches, and so it will free an extensive section in one pass.
The aluminum handle is also quite light and easy to handle. It consists of 4 parts that snap easily to give you a 21-foot reach. And it is also possible to buy an extra extension to increase the range.
Pros
- 4 easy snap sections give it a 21-foot reach.
- Aluminum blade does not damage shingles.
- 24-inch blade clears a large area in one pass.
- Shingle shave rollers prevent the blade from touching the roof.
- Lightweight as it weighs less than 6 pounds.
- Conditional lifetime guarantee.
- Vinyl hand grip helps to boost stability.
Cons
- It feels a little flimsy when raking the snow.
Who Should Buy?
This roof rake has a unique feature that prevents ice dam formations. And so this means that it will be a perfect choice for homeowners that have to deal with the ice dams every other winter.
#2. Snow Joe RJ204M Twist-n-Lock Telescoping Snow Roof Rake
Editor's Rating: 
(4 / 5)
The Snow Joe RJ204M is the cheapest snow rake on our list, but it is still one of the top ones in the market as it will not only help you get rid of snow but also makes the job easier for you. It is a multipurpose rake that you can also use for clearing debris and wet leaves from the roof which makes it a handy tool to have around.
RJ204M has an over-size poly blade that measures 6 inches wide by 25 inches long. It is one of the longest in this list and will ensure that you get to free a large section with every pass and so you can finish the job within a short time. Apart from the long blade it also has a unique twist-n-lock handle that can adjust easily and quickly from 6.2 feet to an impressive 21-foot to extend the reach.
With a weight of 4.8 pounds it is among the lightest roof rakes in the market, and so you can handle it for long without developing achy or tired arms.
Pros
- Twist-n-lock telescoping handle makes it easy to adjust.
- Ultra-lightweight as it only weighs 4.8 pounds.
- Also suitable for removing debris and wet leaves.
- Large 25-inch wide blade ensures maximum clearance.
- Design and size make it an easy-to-use rake.
- Cheap but very durable snow rake.
Cons
- Lack of rollers or wheels can make it hard to roll on the roof
Who Should Buy?
Snow Joe RJ204M is the cheapest item on our list, and so it is perfect for someone that wants to remove snow, leaves, and debris from the roof fast and without spending a lot of cash on a rake.
#3. Garant GPRR24U Yukon Snow Roof Rake 24-Inch Poly Blade
Editor's Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
Garant GPRR24U is the lightest roof rake on our list and hence also one of the easiest to handle. It comes with a 24-inch long poly blade that clears a large enough section in a single pass. The polyethylene blade is also very durable, and this soft material will not damage your roof. Also, this blade has a wide angle that will make snow removal easier.
The handle comes in 3 sections with each measuring 5 feet. If you add the length of the blade, the handles combine to give you a total reach of 16 inches. Although this is the shortest range on our list, it is still long enough when dealing with low hanging roofs and also when you want to clean the snow by climbing to the top of your roof.
Finally, the handle has an anti-slip grip on the end section that will ensure it remains secure on the hand.
Pros
- Polyethylene blade will not cause any damages to the roof.
- Wide-angled head makes snow removal easy.
- Anti-slip grip keeps it secure in your hand.
- Aluminum handles are lightweight and very durable.
- Numerous pole sections make it possible to vary the reach.
- 24-inch blade helps to remove snow from large areas fast.
Cons
- 16 feet is not long enough for most people.
Who Should Buy?
The Garant GPRR24U has 3 individual pole sections with each measuring 5-feet which make it a more versatile roof rake than most others in the market as you can choose the reach that you want. And so it is a perfect choice for individuals that want something with an adjustable length.
#4. Avalanche SRD20 Snow Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Avalanche SRD20 is a mid-priced product, and most snow roof rakes reviews list it as one of the easiest to assemble. The handle comes in five 4-foot sections that have some snap on couplers that will help you set up the rake in a couple of minutes or even less.
This rake has a soft plastic blade that is very gentle on your roof, and you will never have to worry about damages no matter how rough you might be when dealing with ice. Also, the 24-inch wide blade has 2 small rollers on the sides that help it to move well on the roof and also ensure that it never comes into contact with your roof.
Lastly, the handle with all the sections attached will give you a reach of 20-feet, and it is the easiest to store on our list thanks to the mounting bracket.
Pros
- 24-inch blades make it easy to reach high ledges and roof peaks
- Aluminum handle makes it a very lightweight roof rake.
- 4-foot sections have snap on couplers for easy connection.
- Built-in wheels prevent roof damages.
- Mounting bracket makes storage easy.
- Vinyl grip on the end makes it comfortable to hold.
Cons
- Plastic blade material is not very durable
Who Should Buy?
If you want a rake that you can assemble and take apart fast this is the right pick for you. It is also an exceptional choice for homeowners that want something that can reach high ledges and roof peaks.
#5. True Temper Telescoping Snow Roof Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The 17-feet Tru Temper rake has one of the lightest and most durable blades in our list. AMES Inc makes it with a hard polyethylene material and reinforces it with a wear strip to ensure that the roof rake serves you for many years. The blade is 24 inches wide which is sufficient when clearing most roof types and sizes.
True Temper has an aluminum handle that is also lightweight and very durable. This handle comes in a telescoping design to make it easy and convenient to use, and it has a simple push-button activation mechanism. The end of the handle has a poly grip with a small hole that makes it easy for you to store the rake.
Pros
- Poly blade is lightweight.
- Blade has wear strip reinforcement for extra durability.
- Poly grip on the end has a small hole to make storage easy.
- Non-slip handle provides excellent control.
- Push-button enables telescoping capability.
- Aluminum handle is both lightweight and durable.
Cons
- The handle feels a little flimsy.
- 17-feet will not be long enough for most roofs.
Who Should Buy?
The polyethylene blade on this roof rake has some wear strip reinforcement, and so it will last for many years, and the telescoping handle is also fantastic. And so this product is the best roof rake for an individual that wants something long-lasting and easy to use.
#6. Garant Telescopic Roof Rake
Editor's Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
Garant makes this telescopic roof rake in a simple design to make it easy to use and assemble. It features a 24-inch wide blade that is ideal for clearing small and medium size snow build-ups. The rake head connects to a durable aluminum handle that is in an oval shape to make it easy to control.
This Garant roof rake also has a non-slip grip that makes it comfortable while also ensuring you always get a secure grip. It extends up to 17 feet, and it also features integrated push button for activating the telescoping feature and an end cap.
Pros
- Aluminum blade is sturdy and temperature resistant.
- Telescoping handle makes snow clearing easy.
- 24-inch blade is wide enough for efficient snow removal.
- Non-slip grip provides better control of the roof rake.
- Easy to assemble even without reading instructions.
Cons
- 17 feet reach will not be long enough for many users.
Who Should Buy?
This rake has a simple head design and a telescoping handle that makes it easy to use. However, it does not work very well with heavy snow build-ups, and so it is perfect for use in mild winters or when you do not have a lot of snow to clear.
#7. MinnSnowta Dynamo Razor Roof Snow Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.6 / 5)
If you are shopping for the best roof rakes snow removal you should consider the Dynamo Roof Razor from MinnSnowta as it is one the top ones on our list. It is the most expensive and also the heaviest in the list, and this shows that it is a top notch snow roof rake that will help you deal with any amount of snow.
Dynamo features an aircraft grade aluminum construction for both the blade and pole and so you can be confident that you will be using it for many years. The blade clears a 2-foot wide path with every pass, and it can deal with almost any snow depth on the roof. Dynamo consists of four 6-foot sections that combine to give you a total reach of 24 feet, but it is still possible to buy an extra section to increase the length.
Pros
- Aircraft grade aluminum pole is very durable.
- High-tech poly wheels help to prevent damages to the shingles.
- Thick aluminum blade cuts through snow almost effortlessly.
- 24 feet length makes it possible to push snow without using ladders.
- Sturdy materials mean that it will deal with any snow depth.
- Clears a 2-foot wide path in one push.
Cons
- It is a pricey roof rake.
Who Should Buy?
As the most expensive and also the heaviest unit on our list, it will be a good buy for someone ready to spend some extra to get the best roof rake for clearing heavy snow build up. Also, the heavy weight means that it works best for a person with enough power to handle it.
Things to Consider When Buying a Roof Rake
Our snow roof rakes reviews will help you know some of the top brands and models in the market but to choose the best for your roof you need to know the factors to consider when buying one. Although personal preference will always influence your pick here are the essential things that you should always take into account when shopping for the roof rake.
#1. Blade Material
The blade is the part of the fork that comes into contact with the snow and also your roof, and so you have to be careful with your material choice. Different companies prefer to use various materials in making the blades, but it is important always to choose something that will not damage your roof.
Rakes with plastic blades are better than those with metal ones as they will not damage the roof. In case you prefer to go with a metal rake due to its durability, you should make sure that it has rubber or plastic bumper to prevent it from damaging the roof.
#2. Handle
Most roof rakes come with a long handle so as to make sure that you get a long reach. Also, long handles ensure that you can rake off the snow from the ground without having to use a ladder. The longer the handle the batter but it should also be easy to handle. A handle with a slight bend is easy to use, and it makes it possible to move the rake vertically.
Telescoping handles are also an excellent choice as they make it possible to reach higher sections of the roofs. Those that come in pieces that screw or snap together are also perfect as they make it possible to select the range that you want.
#3. Rollers/Bumpers
Those small rollers, wheels or bumpers on a snow roof rake are not for decoration purposes as they are an essential factor that you should always look for in a roof rake. The best rake for snow will always have them because they will ensure that the blade never gets to the surface of your roof.
Without these wheels or rollers, the blade will always be dragging directly on your shingles as you go up and down which can cause some serious damages. Also, a rake that does not have them increases the likelihood of catching on one or more tabs of the shingles and tearing the shingle apart.
Safety Tips on Removing Snow on Roof
Accumulation of snow in your roof can be annoying, and it also puts it at the risk of damages, but it is important to ensure that you rake it safely. Check out our tips below for removing snow from the roof in a safe way.
- Make sure that you know how to use a roof rake before you use one. It is not difficult to learn as you only need to observe someone else doing it or read the user instructions.
- The first thing when clearing snow should always be to give the roof thorough inspection to ensure that there are no loose shingles that the rake can hook onto and that you can be able to handle the task.
- You should always wear the right apparel before you start the job because you will be outside in the chilly weather for long. Some boots with an excellent grip and thick sole and heavy winter clothes are a perfect choice. However, also make sure that the clothes and boot will not affect your movement.
- If you must go to the top of the roof when raking the snow, it is important that you have a safety rope or belt to protect you from falls.
- Always be aware of falling icicles because knocking off a large chunk of ice from the roof can cause serious injuring to you and other people on the ground. Before you decide to rake off anything large, first make sure that nobody is around the area it is going to fall.
- Sometimes it might be necessary to shield your precious shrubs and plants with plywood to prevent the falling snow from damaging them. But, taking off small chunks at a time is an even better way of ensuring you do not harm your plants or people.
- Beware of the power lines because if your large aluminum rake comes into contact with one, the outcome will be disastrous.
Read More: 10 Best Leaf Rakes For Gardening
Last Updated on January 18, 2019 by