A roof snow rake with a telescoping pole of about 20 feet lets you pull the bottom 3 to 4 feet of snow off a one-story roof edge while standing on the ground, and that strip is where ice dams start. Rake after storms that leave roughly 6 inches or more, leave a thin layer on the shingles instead of scraping to bare roof, and never use a metal-poled rake anywhere near power lines.
Why the roof edge matters
Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts snow higher up, and the meltwater refreezes at the cold overhang above the gutter. The ridge of ice traps more water behind it, which can back up under shingles and leak into walls and ceilings. Clearing the lower edge removes the snow that feeds the dam. It does not fix the cause, which is usually attic heat loss from thin insulation or air leaks, so treat raking as winter damage control and plan insulation work for warmer months.
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Roof raking is heavy work done under a moving load of snow.
- Power lines: aluminum poles conduct electricity. Look up before you extend the pole, and do not rake anywhere the pole could swing within 10 feet of a line, including the service drop to the house.
- Falling snow: stand to the side of the section you are pulling, not directly under it. Wet snow slides off in slabs heavy enough to knock you down. Keep children and pets well away.
- Stay off the roof and ladders. The whole point of the tool is to work from the ground. Icy rungs and slick shingles cause serious falls.
- Pace yourself. Pulling and then shoveling heavy snow strains the heart and back. Take breaks, and if you have a heart condition, talk with your doctor before doing heavy snow work.
- Wear boots with good traction and eye protection; ice chips fly when snow breaks free.
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Telescoping aluminum roof rakes around 20 feet long, roller-style heads that protect shingles, and a shovel for the pile below. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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How to rake without damaging the roof
- Extend the pole and set the blade a few feet up from the edge. Pull down in short strokes, working along the roofline.
- Leave about an inch or two of snow on the shingles. Scraping to bare roof wears off granules and can catch shingle edges. Rakes with small rollers hold the blade just above the surface for this reason.
- Clear 3 to 4 feet up from the eaves. That strip covers the overhang and the cold zone just above it.
- Do not chip at ice dams with the rake or a hammer. That breaks shingles and gutters. If water is already coming in, call a roofer who steams ice off.
Protect the plants below
Snow and ice sliding off a roof can split foundation shrubs. Before winter, look at what grows under the drip line and plan accordingly.
- Build simple A-frame covers from two boards or plywood over low shrubs like boxwood and yews under an eave. See our boxwood growing guide for spacing so shrubs are not tight to the house.
- Tie up upright evergreens so heavy snow does not splay them. Our guide to tying up arborvitae for snow load shows the spiral method.
- Rake snow off in the direction away from beds when you can, and shovel the pile off shrubs gently by hand rather than hacking at it.
- If you use any de-icer near the foundation, choose one that is gentler on plants and turf. Our guide to ice melt that is safer for lawns, plants, and pets compares the options. Rock salt runoff from the roof edge damages roots in foundation beds.
Choosing a rake
- Length: about 20 to 21 feet reaches a one-story roof from the ground. Two-story roofs are generally out of reach for homeowner rakes.
- Blade: a wide poly or aluminum blade of about 24 inches moves snow quickly. Rollers or a soft edge protect shingles.
- Pole lock: twist-lock telescoping poles adjust fast; push-button section poles are sturdier but slower to change.
- Weight: most good rakes weigh 5 to 6 pounds. Lighter is easier on your shoulders at full extension.
Bottom line
Keep a 20-foot telescoping roof rake by the door and clear the lowest 3 to 4 feet of snow after each significant storm, stand to the side, leave a thin layer on the shingles, and stay far from power lines. Pair it with an ergonomic snow shovel for the pile, and clean the gutters in late fall with ground-level gutter tools so meltwater has somewhere to go.
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