How to Make a Roof Snow Rake

During the winter months a snowfall can be devastating to your roof and owning a roof snow rake can do a lot to protect your investment. If snow is allowed to sit on your roof for an extended period of time it can create water damage as well as weaken the roof. You can purchase a roof snow rake at your local hardware store but making one is easy and will cost less than purchasing a commercial roof snow rake. The following information will show you how to build a roof snow rake.

Step 1 - Readying the Pole

An aluminum pole is lightweight to use as the basis for your roof snow rake. Other materials can be used with the same efficiency. You could use PVC piping if you want your snow roof rake to be really inexpensive. You could also create the rake in more than 1 piece so it would be able to be stored easily. For the basis of this snow roof rake you will be using aluminum. Attach the two brackets to one of the ends of the aluminum pole with one on each side. Use the clamp to do so and make sure the holes on the brackets are lined up and that the brackets are angled at 90 degrees. The end result will look like a "T" with the pole as the base. Use the drill and make a hole in the aluminum pole using the bracket holes as a guide. The angled brackets will have three holes in each bracket for you to drill.

Step 2 - The Rake Hardware

The roof snow rake is starting to take form but you need to be able to attach the metal plate to the pole. Insert the bolts through the drilled holes you just made and use the washers and nuts to attach them to the aluminum pole. You will be able to tighten them by using the pliers and the crescent wrench in unison. Then the brackets are firmly attached to the pole you can remove the clamp.

Step 3 - Attaching the Metal Plate

Now you can attach the metal plate to the aluminum pole. This metal plate is what you will be using to remove snow from your roof. Center the metal plate on the angled brackets. You want the brackets to be parallel with the bottom and the top of the metal plate. You can mark the hole positions using the permanent marker. With the marks drawn you can drill them through the metal plate. Use a steady motion and firm pressure to make the bit go through the metal. With the holes drilled you can attach the metal plate. Line the holes of the plate up with the holes on the angled brackets. Use the nuts and bolts to firmly attach it. Tighten them with the crescent wrench and pliers.