Rooftop Investing – Choosing the right snow removal tool
Protecting your investment
With winter upon us, the threat level for your roof rises significantly. Snow loading and ice dams can cause major damage, resulting in substantial, unplanned expense. Choosing the right snow removal tool to maintain your roof will ensure the investment in your home.
Select your roof snow shovel wisely to reduce the time and effort required for snow removal. The ideal snow shovel for you will be the one that matches your specific requirements, your roof configuration and your budget.
It’s time to take a closer look at the options you have to keep your roof clear of snow this season.
Choosing the right snow removal tool
When it comes to maintaining your roof during winter, the options are vast differing by price, ease of use and complexity. On the low end, you have your basic shovel which is inexpensive but requires significant physical energy to use and when used from the rooftop can have serious safety concerns.
On the high end, you have electric/radiant heating systems which can cost thousands of dollars to install and run yet require only a flip of a switch to use.
Fortunately, there are several interesting “intermediate” options to consider when it comes time to equip yourself to clear snow from your roof. Here is a brief description:
Classic snow shovel
Fixed tool including a flat end with a short handle; the snow is lifted and then thrown away, which requires a lot of physical effort. This option is relatively inexpensive. However, it is essential to note that using it from a roof can cause serious safety issues, including the risk of potential falls.
Snow Rake
Similar in design to a garden hoe but with a wide blade and long handle. Snow removal is done from the ground; the snow is pulled down from the roof. This option requires a certain physical effort, and remains relatively inexpensive.
Premium Snow Rake
Uses a cutting frame and vinyl slide; the cutting frame is “pushed” up the roof, snow flows down the slide.This option requires less physical effort since gravity does most of the work. Such roof scrapers are moderately more expensive than conventional roof scrapers.
Electric/Radiant Heating Systems
This system incorporates heating wires or panels installed on the roof. When it is turned on, it melts the snow. Although this option does not require any physical effort, it is expensive to purchase and comes with high maintenance and use expenses (energy costs).
So, how to choose your snow shovel for your roof?
After looking at the different options, it is time to choose the solution that best meets your needs. When considering different roof snow removal tools, your budget, ease of use and safety are factors that should guide your decision.
1. Materials and their durability
But there are other points that should be considered — most notably, quality and durability. How is the tool constructed?
- Is it made with plastic, fiberglass or commercial-grade materials?
- Is it light or heavy?
- Is it corrosion resistant?
- Is it a quality-built product that will last or will you be replacing it every year or two?
2. The type of roof to be cleared of snow
The choice of your future tool for clearing snow from your roof also depends on the surface area you want to clear. For example, a two-story house is more difficult to reach and requires an extendable snow plow if you want to clear snow from the ground.
3. Ergonomics of the roof shovel
Before purchasing your snow shovel, think about your comfort and the effectiveness of the tool. To consider this point, observe the handle, the handle and the width of the shovel. A wide shovel without the right handle and handle can cause undue stress on your back and joints.
A new snow shovel on the market
Are you tired of clearing snow from the roof after heavy snowfalls? Our innovative snow removal tool allows you to easily remove snow accumulated on the roof. With the SnowPeeler, there's no need to drag a heavy ladder through knee-deep snow or trudge and dangerously walk on a slippery roof.
When we designed the SnowPeeler, we took all of these into consideration. SnowPeeler is a premium snow removal tool that clears rooftops 2-3 times faster than traditional snow rakes. It’s constructed of commercial-grade aluminum, UHMW-PE and stainless-steel hardware. Its corrosion resistant, lightweight and incredibly durable — built to last many winters.
Buying a good roof snow shovel!
Choosing the right snow removal tool for your roof is an investment, not only monetary, but also time and energy. Opting for an extendable roof scraper like the SnowPeeler is therefore a wise choice that will save you time, ensure your safety and be reliable for several years.
Moreover, did you know that at PolarMade we are so convinced of the quality of our roof scraper that we offer a 2-year guarantee against breakage resulting from a manufacturing defect?