Review of scrapers for removing snow from the roof, tips for selection and operation

In winter, snow needs to be removed not only from roads and sidewalks, but also from the roof. This is done using a special tool called a scraper.

It allows you to efficiently clean the roof, prevent sudden melting of snow layers, injury and damage to the coating.

Read the article about what a scraper for removing snow from a roof is, how to choose it, how to use it and more.

What kind of instrument?

A scraper is a working tool that is used to clear the roof of snow. In this case, a person does not have to climb to a height. Unlike a shovel, a scraper cannot be loaded with snow and thrown to the side. It works on a different principle.

Purpose

A snow scraper is used to remove snow from the roofs of low-rise buildings. At the same time, the worker himself is on the ground.

If you do not take any action and leave snow on the roof, it can sag and even collapse.

Another danger lies in roof damage. Due to temperature changes, the snow melts, water seeps into the lower layers of the coating and freezes again, leading to its destruction.

Nobody knows when exactly the layers of snow will come off the roof.. If there is a person below at this moment, he could be seriously injured.

An avalanche can damage equipment standing below, destroy a fence, barn and other buildings. Using a scraper avoids these problems.

Sometimes the tool is used to clear snow from the roofs of multi-story buildings. Wherein the worker, being at the top, pushes the layers down. He himself does not come to the edge.

Device

The scraper has a simple device. It is represented by the following elements:

1. Pen. Most often, it is retractable (telescopic) and consists of several elements that are inserted from each other. This allows you to adjust the length of the product at your discretion.
2. Lever. It provides a comfortable grip on the device.
3. Scraper. It is this that acts as the working surface. Most often it is made of aluminum or plastic. Wooden models are less common.

Requirements

Requirements to scrapers:

• there should be no sharp areas or chips on the working surface that could damage the roof;
• the telescopic handle should move apart smoothly and smoothly;
• all parts must be securely fastened, not wobble or dangle;
• the length of the telescopic handle can reach 6.5 m;
• the optimal length of the scraper is 65 cm, and the length of the engine is 50 cm; the height can vary within 160 mm for the scraper and 600 mm for the engine.

Varieties

Kinds scrapers:

1. The standard tool is a scraper, with a non-retractable handle and a working surface.
2. Scraper with telescopic handle.
3. Engine. With its help, snow is pushed down from the ground if the height of the building is small.Using the working surface, the snow layer is trimmed and then pulled down.

How to choose equipment for cleaning snow masses?

When choosing a scraper you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Product weight. Since the instrument has to be held for a long time on outstretched arms, it must be light. Therefore, it is made mainly of plastic and aluminum.
2. The presence of a handle on the telescopic handle. It not only allows you to hold the scraper securely, but also prevents frostbite on your hands. The rubberized coating prevents the tool from slipping.
3. The length to which the handle extends. It is directly related to the height of the building whose roof is to be cleaned.
4. The presence of a rubber pad on the working surface. It allows you to carefully clean the roof without damaging the delicate coating. Most often, engines have such overlays.

How to do it yourself?

A factory-made scraper is always superior to its homemade counterparts in all respects. If you decide to make it yourself, then use a sheet of plywood or tin as a working surface. It is fixed on a handle made of metal or wood.

Making a telescopic handle on your own is problematic.. The only option is to use a handle from an old scraper, mop or window cleaning brush. However, the length may not be enough to clean the roof.

This video will show you how to make a scraper for removing snow from a roof:

Rules of use and care

Recommendations for use and storage roof scraper:

1. Cleaning begins with icicles, which are carefully knocked down using a tool. You need to stand at a distance to avoid injury.
2. To knock down the icicle and not damage the roof, swing the scraper and hit the ice at a distance of 10 cm from the edge of the roof.
3. The scraper is placed on the roof at a distance of about 50 cm and smoothly pulled towards you. If the snow has already compacted, you need to start from a distance of 20 cm.
4. Do not pull the tool too hard. If an obstacle is encountered, it is bypassed; perhaps there are roofing elements or a build-up of ice under the layer of snow.
5. When the roof has been cleaned around the perimeter, begin processing the areas located above.
6. There is no need to press the tool tightly against the roofing.
7. After completing the work, the scraper is cleaned of any remaining snow and dirt, wiped with a dry cloth and stored.

Advantages and disadvantages

Using a scraper to remove snow from a roof has a number of advantages:

• Snow does not stick to the working surface, so you do not have to waste time cleaning it;
• there is no need to climb to a height or approach the edge of the roof, it is safe to work with the scraper;
• the tool is designed specifically for removing snow on the roof;
• no significant physical force is required during operation;
• When stored assembled, the scraper does not take up much space.

The disadvantages of the tool include:

• narrow scope of application, the tool can only be used to remove snow from the roof;
• a shovel is required to remove the thrown snow;
• if the number of floors of the building is high, then it will not be possible to do without climbing to the roof;
• If handled incorrectly, there is a risk of damaging the coating.

Where can I buy it?

Scrapers are rarely found in retail stores, so they are ordered from online markets. The range is varied; many companies are engaged in the production of such tools.Online you can choose a product of a suitable size and from any material.

Top 3 best models

The most popular models of roof scrapers.

Berchhouse №18

Scraper for removing snow from roofs, telescopic 6.5 m. Tool with telescopic handle. It is produced in Russia and adapted for use in the country. Aluminum handle, plastic bucket. Product weight – 1.5 kg. Price – 4550 rubles.

Truper ROOF-RK

The bucket and handle of the tool are made of lightweight aluminum. The handle is retractable, which allows you to work the product at a remote distance from the edge of the roof. The width of the bucket is 45 cm, the weight of the scraper is 2.2 kg. Price – 3,800 rubles.

SKRAB 28095

Bucket size: 16x63 cm. The bucket is flat, made of aluminum. It is possible to change its location. Metal handle with a comfortable grip at the end. The length is adjustable, its maximum value is 640 cm. If necessary, the working surface can be removed. Price – 3,700 rubles.

Conclusion

The scraper will be an excellent helper for the winter period. All owners of low-rise buildings must have them. This simple tool allows you not only to reduce the time it takes to clear your roof of snow, but also to avoid injury.