The Best Roof Rake 20 Ft

After a heavy snowfall, roof snow can weigh thousands of pounds and refreeze at the eaves. A roof rake is the safest way to remove that snow while keeping both feet on the ground.

The best roof rake 20 ft models are aimed at the most common two story rooflines, giving you enough reach to protect gutters, shingles, and the people walking below.

Snow Removal Wiki analyzed published specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback to shortlist the roof rakes that clear snow effectively without turning the job into an upper body workout.

Use this guide to compare pole length, blade design, and how much effort each model takes to pull. After the roof is clear, a snow blower for large driveways can handle the snow that landed on the pavement.

Best Roof Rake 20 Ft Buying Guide

Reach and Handle Length

The first question to answer is whether the handle actually reaches your roofline. A 20 ft roof rake covers most single story homes and many two story houses where you stand a few feet back from the foundation.

Measure the distance from the ground to the eave and add a little extra, because a pole that barely reaches is harder to pull at an angle.

Telescoping handles are convenient because they adjust as you move around the house and collapse for storage. Sectional poles are stiffer but require more assembly time. If you also want to clear walkways without bending, top-rated snow throwers cover distances a roof rake cannot.

Blade Width and Shape

Blade width controls how much snow you pull with each stroke. A wider blade clears a larger path, but it also adds weight at the far end of the pole.

A medium width around 20 to 24 inches is easier to control while still covering a typical roof strip.

The shape of the blade determines how cleanly it moves. A curved, scoop shaped blade slides under snow, while a flat blade tends to push and stall.

Sled style and peel style designs lift snow off the shingles without scraping, which is why the SNOWPEELER model in this roundup stands out.

Once snow hits the ground, heated walkway mats can keep foot traffic safe as the pile melts.

Material and Weight

Roof rakes are stored in cold garages and used in freezing temperatures, so the frame has to resist cracking.

Aluminum handles are light and stiff, plastic blades shed snow and ice better in some cases, and hybrid designs aim for the best of both.

A heavy rake is harder to lift when the blade is full of wet snow, so check the empty weight before buying.

For frequent snowfalls, a lighter 20 ft roof rake reduces fatigue, but very thin poles can flex under a heavy load. Look for reinforced joints and a blade connection that does not twist.

Around the rest of the property, a cheap ice melt takes care of refreezing on driveway surfaces after the roof snow has landed.

Snow Shedding and Blade Type

Snow shedding is about how quickly the blade releases snow. Wet snow clings to plastic and metal, so a smooth, angled blade with a nonstick feel makes the job easier. Rake style teeth work well on light, fluffy powder but can catch on shingle edges.

The pulling angle also matters. A blade that sits too flat scrapes the roof, while one with a slight upward angle rides over snow.

The best roof rake 20 ft models let you keep the pole low so the blade follows the roof without lifting off.

For the snow that ends up on the lawn, choose an ice melt safe for lawns to avoid damaging grass.

Storage and Assembly

A long pole can be awkward in a garage. Telescoping models collapse to a more compact size, while sectional rakes break into pieces that fit in a trunk or closet.

Think about how fast you need to deploy the rake when a storm is already falling.

Push button locks and twist collars make assembly quicker, but they also need to stay reliable in cold weather.

If storage space is tight, you might also appreciate snow blowers with folding handles for the driveway, and for smaller walkways a 40V snow thrower is easier to tuck away than a gas model.

Why You Should Trust Us

Snow Removal Wiki is an independent publication focused on winter home maintenance. We do not sell snow gear, and we do not accept paid placement in our rankings.

To score these roof rakes, we use the SRW Score, a 0 to 10 rating built from consistent criteria across every product in the category.

We evaluate each roof rake using published specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. We also weigh the way a product is used in real winter conditions, such as wet snow, ice dams, and below freezing temperature swings.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Affiliate income does not influence our ratings or the order of products in this guide.

The same research driven approach appears in our snow blower ratings, so you can see how we compare winter gear across categories.

Final Thoughts

Best Overall: SNOWPEELER Premium Roof Rake.

It earned the top SRW Score in this roundup because its telescoping design reaches the 20 foot eave line, the blade clears snow without fighting the shingles, and verified buyers report less bending and pulling compared to older rake designs.

If your roof line fits the 20 foot class, this is the roof rake we recommend starting with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a roof rake be for a two-story house?

Measure the distance from the ground to the roofline while standing a safe distance from the house.

A 20 ft roof rake usually handles a two story front wall, but you may need more length if the eave sits back from where you stand. Many telescoping models let you extend the pole to match the actual height.

Can a 20 ft roof rake reach the roof without a ladder?

Yes, for most lower roof edges. The whole point of a 20 ft roof rake is to keep you grounded while cleaning the eaves. If the roof is steep or much taller, choose a longer telescoping rake instead of putting a ladder on frozen ground.

Will a roof rake damage asphalt shingles?

A roof rake can damage shingles if you dig the blade into the surface or pull against the grain. Use smooth, continuous strokes and let the blade ride on the snow rather than cutting into it.

Sled and peel style blades with smooth edges are gentler than sharp tines.

How do I prevent ice dams after clearing the roof?

Raking snow off the first few feet of the eave removes the main fuel for ice dams. Once the roof is clear, improve attic ventilation and seal air leaks.

On the ground, use an ice melt safe for concrete or sidewalk ice melt to keep walkways from becoming a second hazard.

Is a telescoping roof rake better than a sectional one?

Telescoping models are usually faster to set up and easier to adjust in the middle of a storm. Sectional rakes can be stiffer and less prone to wobble, but they take longer to assemble.

For a 20 ft roof rake, a telescoping pole with a secure locking collar is the most convenient choice.

Why is a roof rake better than shoveling snow off a roof?

Standing on a snow covered roof is dangerous. A roof rake lets you remove snow from the ground while avoiding falls and hidden ice. For the rest of the property, snow blowers for packed snow can clear the heavy piles that fall from the roofline.

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