How to Build a Wood Roof Rake

If you live in the northern United States, you are used to snow on the roof, sometimes with large accumulations or weight. Excess snow or heavy snow should be removed as quickly as possible to avoid structural damage. A roof rake is more efficient and effective for removing snow than shovels. Roof rakes can be built out of inexpensive material and take little time to make. With proper support, a roof rake can withstand more than a single season.

Wood block
Screws
Power drill
Wooden pole
Plywood or plastic
2 wooden dowels, 1 inch diameter

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance from the top of the roof to your head. This helps determine pole length. Your goal is to use the rake from the ground.
- 2
  Choose the pole. Wood poles are less expensive but may not reach your required height. Telescoping fiberglass poles reach nearly any height but are more costly.
- 3
  Cut a 12-by-24-inch piece of plywood. This becomes the blade of the rake.
- 4
  Measure and cut a 4-inch square piece of 2-by-4-inch lumber. Center the pole end on the block face. Outline the pole on the block. Drill out the circle created to make the opening for the pole.
- 5
  Place the square in the center of the blade. Move the square up to the top edge of the blade. Screw the square to the blade. Insert the pole into the hole. Drill a screw through the blade into the pole end.
- 6
  Position a dowel against the side of the pole and the top edge of the blade. The dowel will be at an angle intersecting both pieces. Draw a line across the dowel where it intersects both pieces. Cut the dowel at the lines. Repeat this step for the second dowel.
- 7
  Position the dowel ends against the pole and back of the board. Drill screws into each end connecting the dowel to the pole and blade. Repeat this step for the other dowel. These create further support keeping the blade attached to the pole.

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Snow Removal