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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAn avalanche-style roof rake pushes a plastic sliding surface onto the roof so snow can travel down by gravity, rather than pulling snow toward the person holding the tool. Make: featured two homemade versions, but its 2015 article is an idea overview—not a tested construction plan: it gives no validated dimensions, full bill of materials, load rating, assembly drawings, or safety test results.
How an avalanche-style roof rake works
A conventional roof rake pulls snow toward the operator. An avalanche-style rake instead places a slide or chute on the roof; snow moves along that surface and down the roof under gravity. That changes the direction snow travels, not the underlying risks: snow can release suddenly, and the tool itself still has to be controlled from a safe position.
What the DIY examples show
Scrap-material version
Gareth Branwyn’s Make: article describes YouTuber Kntryhart’s build using scrap electrical conduit, plastic bags, and the pole from an old traditional snow rake. These are the materials named in the source, not a complete shopping list or a set of verified compatible parts.
New-parts version
A second builder, ByteSizeImages, used new parts from Home Depot. Make: estimated that build at about US$40 in 2015. The article does not provide enough construction detail to reproduce it reliably from the written description alone.
#1 Best Overall
- The Avalanche! 750 is a snow roof rake designed specifically for easy and quick roof snow removal. It features a quick snap-together assembly that comes complete with four lightweight fiberglass handle sections to form a 15.5’ pole, allowing you to work from the ground.
- This snow roof rake tool features a smooth 17” wide, 12’ long plastic slide providing a slick surface for snow to slide off the roof. The heavy-duty vinyl coated polyester slide is cut and tear resistant.
- Equipped with 3” wheels, the Avalanche! 750 roof rake provides adequate space for the slide to glide safely over tile, cedar shake, metal, and solar panel roofs.
- Features a quick snap-together assembly that comes complete with four lightweight fiberglass handle sections to form a 15.5’ pole, allowing you to work from the ground.
- Proudly manufactured in the USA with Global Materials.
The larger U-shaped head
Branwyn judged the version with a larger U-shaped aluminum box to “seem[] to be the most effective” among the designs he reviewed. That is an attributed visual impression, not a measured comparison or evidence of durability, reach, or safe performance.
What the article does—and does not—establish
Make: published Branwyn’s article on February 5, 2015; the page also displays February 4, 2016. Its prices and product availability are historical. The article put commercial avalanche roof tools at around US$150 at that time, but that was an approximate 2015 figure, not a current market survey.
Rank #2
- The Avalanche! 500 is designed to quick and easy snow removal from roofs. It features a quick snap-together assembly that comes complete with four lightweight fiberglass handle sections to form a 15.5’ pole, allowing you to work from the ground.
- This snow tool features a smooth 17” wide, 12’ long plastic slide providing a slick surface for snow to slide off roof.
- The Avalanche! 500 has 1.5” wheels that provide adequate space for slide to glide safely over asphalt shingle roofs.
- Proudly Made in the USA
The source does not establish DIY dimensions, structural strength, handle stiffness, roof-contact behavior, or performance in snow. It also does not offer a complete assembly procedure. Do not treat the examples as engineered plans or infer that matching the pictured shape makes a tool safe.
Ready-made comparison: Avalanche Original 500
A commercial tool can be easier to evaluate because its product guide supplies model-specific details. The Acme guide describes the Avalanche Original 500 as having a 24-inch-wide head and a 20-foot handle made in five sections. It describes an extension kit with two four-foot fiberglass poles and couplers for named Avalanche models. These are manufacturer or retailer product-guide details; check the current listing and exact compatibility before buying.
Rank #3
- Extra-Wide Blade: The snow rake for roof is equipped with a 17 in blade to efficiently clear roof snow, especially suitable for large areas. It allows you to clear more snow in one go, reducing repeated operations and saving effort.
- Aluminum Alloy Material: Crafted from aluminum alloy, this snow roof rake is sturdy and durable. With corrosion & pressure resistance, it is not easily deformed or damaged after long-term use. The thickened design enhances overall strength and stability.
- Adjustable Handle: The roof snow rake comes with an adjustable handle to fit different roof heights, allowing easy removal without ladders. The ergonomic round handle design provides a comfortable grip, ensuring a secure hold even in cold weather.
- Smooth Rolling Wheels: These wheels on the roof snow removal tool avoid the roof surface from scratches and damage. The wheel design ensures smooth sliding on slopes or uneven surfaces, improving controllability for more precise snow removal.
- Easy Installation & Storage: The roof rakes for snow can be assembled easily without tools. The detachable handle saves space for compact storage. It is ideal for residential, garage, and car roofs to clear snow and fallen leaves effortlessly.
The guide says the manufacturer recommends removing the first five feet of snow and that a 16- or 20-foot rake may suit that purpose, depending on model. It says the products work on roofs pitched 3/12 or steeper and identifies the Deluxe 20 as best for solar-panel snow removal. These are product claims, not independent test results.
Scheels describes the Avalanche AVA500-HK extension as two four-foot fiberglass extensions with two snap-on aluminum couplers, and says the rake is sold separately. Availability can change, so verify the listing and model fit.
Rank #4
- The original USA-made Snow Roof Rake
- Rugged - made of the highest quality strong, yet lightweight aluminum
- Smart engineering - rollers prevent shovel head from touching your roof
- Easy to use - remove snow with ease
| Consideration | DIY examples in Make: | Ready-made Avalanche Original 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction information | Materials and concepts are described; validated dimensions, full assembly instructions, and safety testing are not stated (Make:). | Product-specific dimensions are stated in the Acme guide; confirm current specifications with the seller. |
| Reach and handle | Reach and stiffness are not stated (Make:). | Acme lists a 20-foot handle in five sections for the Original 500. |
| Head and slide | Conduit, plastic bags, and a U-shaped aluminum-box design are mentioned; tested roof contact or performance is not stated (Make:). | Acme lists a 24-inch-wide head for the Original 500. |
| Extensions | Replacement or extension compatibility is not stated (Make:). | Acme describes a two-pole extension kit for named models; Scheels lists AVA500-HK as two four-foot poles and two couplers, with rake sold separately. Check compatibility. |
| Cost evidence | Make: estimated one new-parts DIY build at about US$40 in 2015; not a current price. | Make: cited around US$150 for commercial avalanche tools in 2015; this is not a current price for the Original 500. |
Roof-snow safety matters more than the design
University of Wisconsin-Extension’s 2019 guidance warns that roof snow removal can lead to falls and sudden slides. It recommends using a roof rake from a safe distance when possible, staying outside the fall zone when snow comes off a smooth roof, and leaving a layer of snow next to the roofing surface to reduce the chance of damaging the roofing material. It also says not to chip ice near the roof surface. These are safety recommendations, not validation of the homemade designs.
Brian Holmes, University of Wisconsin-Extension emeritus agricultural engineer, said: “Snow and ice accumulations on roofs cause a loading which can cause the roof to collapse when the roof is not strong enough to resist the load,” in the 2019 newsletter. Wisconsin-specific code and snow-load information in that newsletter should not be treated as a universal roof-load rule. If you are concerned about a roof’s capacity, consult a qualified local professional rather than relying on a rake to solve a structural problem.
Best Value
- Compatible with AVA500, AVA750 and AVA1000 roof rakes. Not compatible with the SRD20 Deluxe Roof Rake
- Includes two 4 foot fiberglass poles and two aluminum couplers, providing up to 8 foot of extra snow busting length
- Quick snap together design allows for easy assembly and disassembly
- Lightweight fiberglass design allows for easier lifting
- Proudly Made in the USA with Global Materials
- Work from a safe ground position where possible, and keep clear of the area where released snow will land.
- Do not stand directly below the roof section being cleared; snow above the area you rake can release.
- Avoid scraping down to the roofing surface, and do not chip ice near it.
- Do not assume a homemade slide prevents sudden release, a fall, roof damage, or structural failure.
How to decide whether to build or buy
The Make: examples can help explain the concept and suggest materials, but they are not sufficient plans for a dependable tool. A reader weighing a build against a commercial rake should check the details that the examples do not establish:
- Whether the design has documented dimensions and assembly instructions.
- Whether the handle provides adequate reach and stiffness for the intended roof.
- How the head and sliding surface contact the roof without damaging it.
- Whether replacement or extension components are explicitly compatible with the model.
- Current price and product availability, rather than the article’s 2015 estimates.
- What safety guidance applies to the roof, snow conditions, and work area.
If you build from the historical examples, treat them as inspiration only; do not assume their unreported dimensions, strength, or performance. If you buy a ready-made system, verify its current specifications and accessory compatibility before use.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
