What Is a Snow Rake?

Dangers of Excessive Roof Snow

• The biggest danger if roof snow is allowed to gather excessively is that the roof structure could collapse. This is particularly true when fallen snow is allowed to partially melt and begin to ice over.

Important Snow-rake Tips

• The most important thing to remember is roof height. If your roof's height exceeds the length of a snow rake handle, it is simple to put two handles together, much like an extension pole on a painting roll brush.

Best Type of Roof-snow Rake

• The best type of roof-snow rake is one that will not be too heavy for you to maneuver. This can best be accomplished with a rake made of aluminum or heavy plastic.

Significance

• In Katowice, Poland, during the winter of 2006, the roof on a meeting hall was not adequately snow-raked. The roof collapsed because of this and killed at least 66 people.

Expert Insight

• According to Cornell University's Farm Safety Program, it is particularly important that excess snow is not allowed to build up on older homes and barns, as they won't likely be able to withstand that weight.