Are roof rakes worth it?

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 much do roof rakes cost?

How much does a roof rake cost? You may purchase a roof rake for $35 to $110. How much you want to spend on that scale depends on the length of the pole and the quality of the product. Roof rakes range in pole length from 16′ to 24′.

Does roof rake damage shingles?

Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof. Start from the edge and work your way into the roof. Try to shave the snow down to a 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.

How do I choose a roof rake?

Consider the size and material of your snow rake’s blade before making a purchase.

  1. Blade size—Snow rake blades range in depth from three inches to 10 inches and in width from 12 inches to 24 inches.
  2. Blade material—The best blade material is aluminum, but some snow rakes have plastic heads to make them more lightweight.

Can roof rake damage shingles?

Roof raking can damage your shingles and if you’re a roof raker, it’s time to climb the ladder to inspect what damage has been done. Granules are scraped off in the winter when homeowners rake their roofs. This could include granule loss from scraping them off of the shingles, cuts or gouges.

Why would you rake a roof?

Sometimes snow on your roof can be a good thing. Depending on snow density, your slanted roof may be able to safely support up to 2-4 feet of snow accumulation. The most common reason homeowners rake their roof is to prevent the creation (or reduce the impact) of ice dams.