Testing Out the Avalanche Snow Roof Rake!

In this video, I clean the snow off of my roof. I have always used a traditional roof rake but I found a new type; the Avalanche Snow Roof Rake - Model 500. I tested out both snow roof rakes to figure out, which type is best for raking snow off of your roof in the winter? Let's find out! (This video is not sponsored by Avalanche.)
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This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support this channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Buy a snow rake here - amzn.to/3JvnwlU (Amazon affiliate link)

[@jessicad83]

I live in South Australia, where it does not snow, I'm 39yo and have never seen snow irl, but I really enjoy snow related content so thank you! ❤✌

[@polarbearsrus6980]

You should experience snow before you die, seriously!!!🤭

[@StaYUTI420]

Victoria gets snow in places like Falls Creek and Mt Buller, you should deffo check it out!

[@mattsimon931]

really like how you did the side by side video comparing the two options.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! 😃

[@FUGP72]

Even how he exaggerated how slow he is with a regular rake? That was fucking ridiculous.

[@honione]

Bought the avalanche years ago and it was the best money I ever spent. Got me through that winter years back when we got around 100 inches of snow in massachusetts. The sound of the snow blocks falling is so satisfying 😀

[@Nancy-xg9nc]

The biggest benefit I see is that you are not packing the gutters with snow like a traditional roof rake. Great review!

[@tubingpro]

Am sure gutters are already full with that much snow.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

And faster!!!

[@Nancy-xg9nc]

@@tubingpro Depends on sun exposure & color. Ours stay snow free.

[@87Rado]

I bought one of these about 5 yrs ago, best $130 I've spent. Cuts the time of removal in half and saves my shoulders. Funny thing is, I'm from the PNW but now live in New England, and I'm the only one in my neighborhood using one. I would think that the folks here would all have one by now.

[@ianbelletti6241]

Most of the time it's not needed because the roof is designed to withstand the snow load and the snow typically falls off the roof before it hits the roof's weight limit. The only reason to take the snow off the roof is to remove it right before the "avalanche" occurs if you need to work in the fall area.

[@jimaronson2323]

I live in MN and we can get some heavy snows. I have a similar product that I've had for a number of years and it works great. When you're standing on the ground sometimes the snow comes down right on top of you. You have to be quick to get out of the way. My product has aluminum rails, which don't flex as much as yours did. I love how you attached the camera to the avalanche product. Nice perspective. Great video.

[@T.E.P..]

Hellllo from Excelsior!

[@peggylarue7824]

Being retired and living in an apartment I don’t have to deal with snow removal issues any longer yay! But the Avalanche does seem to be a very useful tool. Really enjoyed this video, great to see you having fun.

[@richardkawucha1232]

For a few bucks, I bought 2 lengths (10' each) of 1/2" conduit, a coupler, and a round electrical box cover and conduit/plate connector. After attaching the conduit connector to the plate, then this assembly to a 6" x 24" piece of 1/4" plywood, then attach the conduit to the connector. Made my own snow rake.

[@twowheelvalle]

Where I live, in Germany, we don't have that much of a problem with snow. The houses have solid roofs and we don't have as much snow in our area as we used to. The method shown in the video is really cool. And I love the compilation with your twin. 😂

[@acdallas6356]

Great review and stellar entertainment value! The only thing missing was a blooper reel!!! ❄❄❄

[@SuzanneBaruch]

This is one reason why I love living in the South. Snow is beautiful to look at, but a pain to deal with. That tool does look fun, though!

[@karencox3235]

I live in southern Tennessee, so we don't ever have to clear snow from our roof, but MAN that is satisfying to watch!! Thank you!

[@T.E.P..]

Coool idea for a video .... I'm in MN and this was a special year with lots of snow ... hope this week is going great for you and the family. Thanks again for taking time to make these vids .. u do a stellar job and each of them are a joy of education and learning.

[@hawthornhobbit]

So much compersion seeing you have fun!

[@lindalovesal]

Thanks for sharing i am going to show my husband.I live in Nova scotia just had a bad storm lasted Friday to Monday lots on the roof.Hard work getting up and shoveling.Thanks again

[@paralegal_eagle_eye]

So satisfying to watch!

[@michaelplays2449]

Great tool !! thanks for the video !!

[@milliewilson9614]

That actually looked like fun. It seems to work pretty well.

[@greenspiritarts]

Great demo, thanks!

[@georgetarabini6552]

This is one of those satisfying videos, pretty cool

[@susanblackley7065]

Awesome video! Love the rake cam!

[@shadegarden7375]

So cool! Fun!!

[@dianaklien1560]

I enjoyed watching this and it gave me a new thing to realize what people in colder parts have to deal with. I live where it is sunny most of the time and we don’t have to shovel or rake that sunshine. (Yeah, I bragged a little there. 😊)

[@bend4852]

I'm gonna need to get one of those for my house that I'm in the process of buying. It's only about a 4/12 pitch in the front and about a 2/12 pitch in the back and there's a huge dip in the middle from either broken or sagging rafters. The attic access doesn't allow enough room to get up there but the roof actually felt pretty solid when I walked on it.

[@jsaysyay]

i remember back in 2015 when there was that massive 4' of snow my parents and i used something like that and it was honestly quite fun. this winter has been extremely depressing though, hoping we get something good before the season's over, given we're halfway into winter

[@garyduran1]

We are in the Sierra Nevadas. 40 miles west of Tahoe. We are getting hammered. Sometimes we get heavy snows even through the end of March.

[@NG-cf7zh]

Legit review. I moved away from Mass and spent 15 years in Southern California, now I’m back in New England and own a house, this review came just at the right time 🤜🤛

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Welcome back! 😃

[@sybilresh1905]

I love this channel. It was very relaxing watching you remove the snow with the Avalanche.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

The Fixer ASMR 😄Thanks for watching!

[@GreenVegan816]

I have a 30 ft. all aluminum one and it's fairly heavy with all the pieces on. It gives me a work out that's for sure. But I've had a lot more snow to deal with here in Maine.

[@wendydix5534]

Where I live We don’t have to bother with tools like that. But oh my goodness it looked like it worked so well I can see why you are impressed.❤

[@nolongeramused8135]

So glad to live someplace where snow is more of a thing that rarely happens.

[@kevins2386]

Wow the split screen is awesome great review top shelf

[@stefaniap.7458]

Sweet split! That was pretty impressive, you pulled it off great!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! 😁😁

[@David-wo9un]

I needed this today; thank you!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@David-wo9un]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I am convinced and will be using your link.

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Looks like fun, I live in Lower Alabama! I pray I never need one! Lol! Thanks!

[@jennifermartinus4929]

Fun work. 👍 😄

[@chandaelizabeth3046]

I live in central new hampshire and we get quite a bit of snow. Thanks for posting this! It looks like it will be way better for our roof than that dang roof shovel.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah and I mean it when I say it is actually enjoyable. I actually bought this towards the end of last winter and was waiting for a big storm that never came. This year has been really mild too but as I said I will put it to the test if we get a big one! Hope you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@turtuhl]

I almost wish we had more snow here in MD so I could get one and enjoy it. LOL

[@snoozieq4584]

I remember when the Avalanche first came out in 1977, sad but true. I thought they were cool and my dad recognized the benefits. Unfortunately the roof on our circa 1909 house was over two stories high, slate and a pretty steep pitch. Now the rooves over porch, laundry room and summer kitchen were only one story and all painted metal. Great video, Matt. Thank you for posting. I'm happy to see that your snow blower is still in action, too. See ya in the next one! 🥰🤗😘

[@larrystewart3492]

Good vid. Looks so easy. Gonna save myself some money and make my own from some scrap metal and a piece of an old tarp

[@LawnPusher]

Great product

[@southerncomfort971]

cool video, I have the traditional roof rake and I do find it fun to use as well, I use mine on the sheds and house when we get lots of snow for the same reasons. Watching you use the Avalanche made me wonder if pushing against the snow would ride under the shingles? would the material the snow slides down is strong enough not to tear and the pole handles don't look as strong as the poles on my(your) roof rake. Thanks for sharing.

[@fatjoe3391]

I several of both. Avalanche works great on shingled roofs, but steel roofs will tear up the plastic so the rake is better.

[@nancyscott-smith636]

Wow! Seems to be quite a difference.

[@swpowell1226]

Nice tool !!!

[@jdawg414]

Well I need this for sure.

[@JudyHart1]

You had too much fun testing this.

[@cantgetright742]

I live in the South. I've shoveled the driveway like twice in 7 years.

[@williamwales6619]

In my part of Scotland we don't get a lot of the white stuff. We have 2 get our fun watchin other people dealing with it. Thanks fur the video .Lovin the avalanche gizmo👍

[@ivanwill]

That thing seems nifty...!

[@Mr.PoopyDoobertPants]

Love my avalanche. They even sell extra extension poles that can add length to help get up to the ridge cap! Downside is it can be awkward to maneuver with that long of a pole (that's' what she said), but it saves from having to get on a ladder most of the time.

[@roxannesmith6656]

This Avalanche is the best thing. Except when it’s windy, it just wants to fly !

[@theclock5445]

seems like a nominal improvement

[@michaelmarion7032]

I just want to compliment The Fixer for putting together a product video that was AMAZING!!! I was wowed by the split screen, then you went to the many different camera angles of the product in use ( which were better than any words could describe). You should get paid directly by the Avalanche Snow Rake manufacturer for your ability to showcase a product. Thank you again and I will definitely go through YOUR affiliate link!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@drummindog]

Solved one problem and created another - walkway needs a sweep now. ;)

[@tyhuber7651]

I had a similar thought. The sequence of snow removal is important. Same with snowblowing -- one can easily end up clearing the same area twice if you're doing things in the wrong order.

[@dsatt57]

They use those in Japan a lot. Those are some crazy videos

[@thenderaaa9252]

As long as the snow depth is less than the depth of the "rake" I like it! However; if the snow depth was deeper I am unsure you would be able to take off a layer at a time as you can with the traditional rake? Someone mentioned that this method would keep snow from plugging up the gutters, that is a dream come true for me! Edit: Just watched another video where a guy removed deeper snow and had to do it in layers with this device. Worked like a charm ... I am sold!

[@AndyTheXTech]

Sick dude! I like the split screen. 😁👍

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, man!

[@michelebushnik2874]

Thank you for comparison my only concern is left is not harming roof tiles, but right is going against grain and possibly lifting roof tiles??

[@pattihamilton0925]

Good thing it has a long pole all that snow coming off the roof would be quite chilly if it dropped on your head. Still looks like that would be a option though :)

[@capone_rd_809]

love how the avalanche worked in this video, do they make one thats wider and with a longer pole ?

[@johnmore8867]

Get yourself a section of conduit for an extension that helps to get further up on the roof

[@marcusgardner7640]

Does it work on exposed fastener roofs like corrugated poly? Or would that rip the blue sheet?

[@ronyerke9250]

It looks like you could use a couple more segments for that blue pole. Is there a way to order some?

[@michaelhovey1698]

How are those gutter guards performing with snow? Any water backups under the shingles? Did the guards keep the gutters clear in the Fall?

[@carlahubbard7561]

You are so cute! “I can video and rake snow at the Same time”!

[@mistsemy1522]

It looks fun to used it but i'll never have an opportunity to used that coz we neve get a snow in our city lol.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Lucky! 😂

[@terencemerritt]

That was way too satisfying to watch when the camera was mounted to it lol

[@lindalovesal]

I just bought one but can’t seem to fit the rack into the left and right cutter frames

[@TheDavidscc32]

How do you think this would work on an exposed fastener metal roof? Im afraid the screw tops would tear the tarp

[@MiChellesQuiltingSewingC-yg8pt]

I ALMOST wish I got enough snow where I live just to try it out. Looks like fun. Looks so cool, like little Igloo bricks falling off the roof! Probabbly only on day 1 for 15 minutes. Then neither one would look fun. We get snow. Usually 1 to 3 inches at a time. Sometimes 10 but doesn't stay around for long. No one here has ever had to scrape off or shovel a roof. We are retired now so we don't even shovel the drive or sidewalk. If we need groceries, Just call in for delevery. Just stay in until it melts. Sometimes I put out IceMelt on the sidewalk for ice if a delivery is expected. It sure does look like a great and better option in those areas where people really need them. I would guess it would save your back. So I could tell it was faster, what about the strain on your back? was that the same or less with the new removal tool? Do you think you will have to replace the blue slip in slide yearly? Is there a way you could replace it yourself or have to buy a new one? Start looking at Good Will this summer for Slip n Slides!! That should make a few.

[@edinburghwalks9137]

Hi Can i hang 35mm internal door in to 40mm frame I live in Uk Thanks

[@hubster4477]

Roof raking can be made easy or hard, wait until theres a lot of snow on the roof with a hard crust and struggle, or keep on it like your driveway and do a couple inches at a time.

[@michaelc.3812]

Great idea! My only concern is for the longevity of the chute. The chute reduces the coefficient of Gravity quite well, but will it last an entire snow season or more?

[@YellowBunchofBananas]

Seems like the avalanche might also be kinder to the granules on your shingles?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes!

[@mumenrider862]

which one would be better for solar panels?

[@dilligaf0308]

Before I reroofed my house with steel I would go up on the roof peek and pull it towards me instead that way I wouldn’t be getting hit with the snow as it came off ! So if you’re not afraid of going up on your roof, I feel it’s even less work doing it that way !!

[@Yoganature101]

What cuts the snow in cubes?

[@lynnew5619]

That made what must be a tedious job look like fun. Don’t get snow like that where I live.

[@udalimb384]

Memories.....back in 80something. Record snow collapsing roofs on homes. Snow piled higher than average persons waist. No mechanical equipment. I learned how meditative snow removal can be.

[@DaniBelleEau]

As a short female I struggle with the top heaviness of my traditional roof rake. Would you say this is lighter and easier to maneuver? NH this winter has been brutal!

[@82gamerprincess31]

My only thing would be getting the poll long enough as to not get wacked by a snow/ice cube. Probably not pleasant with like over a foot up there. Especially where I live we get a lot of mix and the stuff that comes off the roof is like glaciers.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah, when you go fast like I was at the end of the video the snow comes down quick. Gotta watch out for that.

[@sjr7822]

Average snow is 51" in my state. How do you replace the plastic slide, I don't see the, "sold separately" option on the link.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Whoa. I did not see a replacement either. Wonder if you can get one... 🤔

[@cantgetright742]

About time to break it back out.

[@januzi2]

Where do you put that tiny handle? If it's not attachable to the Y part, then you might lose it during the summer.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah it is not attached at all. I found a place where I hang my keys right inside my door to keep it safe.

[@itsbittersweetest]

I would add something to the pole to have it be more rigid for the Avalanche snow Roof rake. It seems to flimsy with the piping. Also have you seen the rope method?

[@alisalopez2549]

The avalanche is a go

[@tubingpro]

Snow Peeler seems less likely to break since it’s aluminum parts. I noticed that plastic bow thinking (snap). 😬

[@sandyscats4]

I have no use for this I live in Florida I Do like it and would use it if it snowed here. ❤😊

[@markpharo6017]

Can you find a neighbor/friend with a 2 story colonial and try it out there?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Good idea! If we get a big storm I will!

[@vodoochilie38]

I wonder if you add a paint roller extension pole instead of blue handle. Would be better.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Maybe but it is a different connection.

[@pitsnipe5559]

Well, there’s reason 463 why I left Massachusetts in my rear view mirror. 😊

[@christianvandenboorn6001]

is that a isue in youre country, that the weight of the snow give problems? In the reagion i live in, the extreem weight of the snow is taken in the calculations of the roof contruction.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

With older houses it can be. Houses are designed now that way but they just kinda "winged it" back in the day. If we have a big winter with snow, ice, rain, melting and freezing the weight can be a problem. I have seen news stories of structures collapsing in my area.

[@joann5051]

A wooden dowel on the end of the plastic might help with it fluttering around.

[@chodechotchney5331]

And then the neighbors see how effective it is and they decide they want one to use as well so they borrow yours

[@Colbato.]

nice device and very practible but we don't need that in germany. We have stable roofs ^^

[@juliefizpatrick513]

❤👍⭐️

[@craigcorson3036]

I wonder why it didn't occur to the manufacturer to add a bit of weight to the bottom of the slide part.

[@SoulRage100]

Don’t it damages ur shingles by lifting it up ?

[@kellwng]

I know away you dont have to do it at all. They sell roof heaters, its a type of heat tape, and it can be left on it all year long