Tools for Snow Removal on an Awning

Roof Rake

• A roof rake has a flat piece of aluminum at the end that allows a user to pull snow. A 15 to 20-foot pole is attached to the flat piece of aluminum. This allows a user to reach high on top of roofs and awnings. Use a roof rake to rake the bulk of the snow off the awning. Leave the last couple of inches of snow on the awning, because the roof rake can damage the awning material.

Snow Broom

• A snow broom is a simple push broom with an extendable pole. The snow broom pushes snow off an awning from a window inside the structure, or sweep snow from the awning. The bristles of the broom can be used to sweep the snow off the awning material without damaging it. Be sure to keep the snow broom in a warm area after use, or the snow will freeze and turn the bristles into a block of ice.

Snow Blower

• A snow blower is nothing more than a hand-held leaf blower. It can blow snow off windows at up to 170 miles per hour, and makes for the ultimate snow removal tool. Dress warmly when using this tool, because it can blow snow everywhere. It works best on dry, powdery snow. The beauty of the snow blower is its ability to blow snow off the awning without touching the awning's surface. It can also blow snow out of the hard-to-clean corner where the awning meets the wall.

Snow Shovel and a Ladder

• Snow shovels help move heavy, slushy snows from awnings. Where other tools might not be heavy enough to pull the snow off the awning, a snow shovel comes to the rescue. The downside of using a snow shovel is the short handle. You'll need a ladder to reach the top of the awning. You can modify the snow shovel by removing the stock handle and replacing it with an extendable pole. Be careful not to allow the shovel blade to touch the surface of the awning material, or it could dent or tear it.