Info - Polices - Frequently Asked Questions

SNOW EMERGENCY POLICIES


Return Policy

Canceling an Order

What is a roofrake?

How do you use a roofrake?

How long of a roofrake do I need?

Why remove snow from roof?

Ice Dams

Metal Roofs and roofrakes

Snow on  Solar Panels.

Maintaining roofrake

Where are the instructions for assembling the deluxe roofrake?

How do you put the shingle savers on the deluxe roofrake?

Where are the braces?

 What is the difference between the deluxe and the Junior deluxe?

Does the roofrake break down into pieces?

Do we have a catalog?

Are extension poles interchangeable between different roofrake models?

What is the difference between the Roof Razor and the Razor Jr.?

What's the maximum roof height the Roof Razor® can handle?

What is the Roof Razor® chute made of?

Does the Roof Razor® work on a shallow pitch roof?

Does the Roof Razor® go over electrical roof heater tapes?

What is a Razor metal roof kit?          

Where are the roofrakes made?

What side of the roof razor chute faces up?

How do the extension poles fit together?

How do I track my order?

Passwords

How do I checkout?

How do you ship?

Shipping times

How much is shipping?

Where do you ship from?

The Shipping cost reverted to $1 after I confirmed the order

Canada Shipping

Shipping guarantee

Canceling an Order

Return Policy

Warranty

Privacy Statement

About Roofrake.com

Contacting Us

 

 

What is a roofrake?

A roof rake is not a rake as in what you’d use in fall but rake refers to the pulling or raking process involved in pulling the snow off the roof, versus a shovel which you push.  [Back to top]

 

How do you use a roofrake?

You stand as far back so you can see where you're removing snow. NEVER USE A ROOFRAKE FROM A LADDER!  We recommend using the roofrake initially to clean off snow with the fewest number of extensions necessary then adding additional extensions as needed. It reduces weight, helps with control and allows you to learn the tendencies of your new tool.  Once the roofrake is on the roof you can lift the blade off the roof and walk forward then lower the rake head into the snow and walk back pulling the amount of snow you can handle. Think of using a roofrake as shoveling in reverse. How much snow can you push at a time? With a roofrake its how much snow can you pull at a time? As you pull the roofrake toward the edge of the roof collecting more snow you'll see the snow at the front of the pack falling over the edge of the roof. Try to stop pulling the roofrake before you get right to the gutter. You don't want to have so much momentum that you pull it off the roof or get the blade caught in the gutter. When I use a roofrake I stop pulling about 8" from the edge of the roof leaving a little pile. After 3-6 columns of pulls I turn the roofrake blade about 45 degrees with the edge of the blade hanging all the way off the roof (think snow plow) and walk parallel to the roof pulling the roofrake as the snow slides off the blade at the angle. This clears the snow and avoids pulling the head off the roof and getting it caught in the gutter. [Back to top]

 

How long of a roofrake do I need?

Typically when using a roofrake you're standing far enough back so you can see where you’re working. For a one story house that's about 4-6 feet, for a 2-story house that's about 18 feet or so. This means that length of roofrake is hanging over your property while any additional length is the actual length you will use to clean snow off your roof. The slope of you roofrake whether it's steep or shallow will also affect the length you'll need. Don't forget to account for terrain (is there any hills); landscaping or other obstacles that may mean you need more length. A 21' roofrake can get about halfway up a single story roof with average pitch. While 21' on a 2-story house just gets up to the gutter. We typically see customers with 2-story homes get 31' total (which means an additional one or two extensions) to reach about 3/8 up a typical 2nd story roof. (By typical we mean 4/12 pitch). [Back to top]

 

Why remove snow from roof?

There are 2 main reasons to remove snow from the roof one is to reduce weight the other is to prevent ice dams. [Back to top]

 

Ice Dams

If you already have ice dams you need to clear off as much snow from behind the ice dam as possible. Professionals recommend at least 4-6 feet. This reduces the insulation of the snow pack to the ice dam and stops the material from feeding the ice dam. DO NOT PULL AT THE ICE DAM WITH THE ROOFRAKE! The ice dam is fairly stuck to your roof. Both above and below. Pulling at the ice dam may pull the shingles apart and damage your roof. I have seen without the temperature going above freezing an 8" ice dam disappear within 6-10 days. If your house is prone to ice dams it is important to recognize those areas and preventatively remove snow from that first 4-6 feet after every snow fall. If you already have ice dams and have removed the snow from behind it you can use a product such as our roofmelt tablets (basically hockey puck sized roof safe, pet safe, landscaping safe ice melt). The roofmelt tablets will tunnel down through the ice dams creating channels for the water to flow through and increase air circulation to help them melt faster. [Back to top]

 

Metal Roofs and Roofrakes:

For metal roofs the goal is avoiding the metal blade coming in contact with the treated metal and clearing the seams that can be as high as an inch and a half.  We have 2 roofrakes that are for metal roofs... The Snowpro soft headed roofrake and the Roof Razor with the 4" metal roof kit. The 4" wheels on the razor will clear the seams on a metal roof. The soft roofrake is limited by the length of the pole you choose. If you need more than 24' on the snowpro you can use a number of deluxe extension poles and and get an elbow with threaded adapter that will allow those poles to be used with the snow pro head. Metal roofrakes are not recommended for metal roofs. If you use a metal headed roofrake on a metal roof where that metal comes in contact with the roof could leave a graphite type scuff mark on the surface. Also the roofmelt tablets are not recommended for metal roofs s they may discolor the pigments. [Back to top]

 

Snow on Solar Panels.

The SnowPro soft headed roofrake is an excellent solution for removing snow from solar panels. It is available in 18 and 24' long poles If you need more than 24' on the SnowPro you can use a number of deluxe extension poles and  and get an elbow with threaded adapter that will allow those poles to be used with the snow pro head. [Back to top]

 

Maintaining your roofrake

Before every use and after initially assembling make sure that all nuts and bolts are tight. Some recommend hitting them with some super glue after assembling to reduce loosening during use. [Back to top]

 

Where are the instructions for assembling the deluxe roofrake?

The instructions for assembling the deluxe roofrake are printed on the inside long flap of the box. When you get the deluxe roofrake open it by opening the wide front flap to reveal the instructions. Then use the box for storage of the poles during the off season. Because the deluxe is self threading as you assemble adding to its strength we recommend you not disassemble it.

 

How do you put the shingle savers on the deluxe roofrake?

There is a thin open seam on each shingle saver. Locate that seam. I recommend using a flat headed screw driver to pry open the seam a bit then quickly slide it onto the roofrake blade and the push into position so it spins freely in the notch. Some customers recommend hitting the seam with some super glue. [Back to top]

 

Where are the braces?

Sometimes during packing in order to fit extra extensions into the roofrake box we slide the braces into a couple of the extension poles. Look in the first before assuming they're not there.

 

What is the difference between the Deluxe and the Junior Deluxe?

The Deluxe roofrake and the Junior roofrakes are identical except we take a pole out of the boxes of the 21' deluxe, thus leaving 16' of length in the junior deluxe. Everything is the same (even the boxes). [Back to top]

 

Does the roofrake break down into pieces?

The deluxe roofrake comes with four (4) 5' long extensions (plus an elbow piece) The Junior Deluxe comes with three (3) 5' long extensions. The Rugged Roofrake comes with 3 five foot extensions. The Roof Razor comes with four (4) 6' extension poles. All roofrakes offer additional extension poles to get more length. [Back to top]

 

Do we have a catalog?

You're looking at it. Everything we sell is on this site. We also have a sister site called www.telescoping-pole.com that sells a number of different telescoping poles and high reach dusters and cleaning supplies.

Are extension poles interchangeable between different roofrake models?

No, each roofrake uses it's own specific extension pole and no other model's extension pole will work with it. It is important to know what type of roofrake you have or are ordering before getting extension poles. The extension poles are listed on the same page as the roofrake. Please order the extension poles on that model's page. If you order incompatible extension poles and roofrake you will  be responsible for the cost of returning and shipping out new ones. The only models which can share extension poles are the Deluxe and Snow Trapper.

What is the difference between the Roof Razor and the Razor Jr.?

The Razor head is 3' wide and weighs about 5 lbs. The Razor Jr. Head is 2' wide and weighs just less than 4 lbs. We recommend the razor jar for residential use and the Razor for commercial use or those with a lot of roof to clear. The Titan is best for very large roofs, especially metal roofs. It will move massive amounts of snow quickly. The Dynamo is best for cutting through heavier snow accumulations (12 inches or more) because of a smaller cross section.

 The Titan razor head is constructed of 3/16" aluminum flat stock and is 36" wide and 6" high, while the Dynamo razor head is constructed of 3/16" aluminum flat stock and is 24" wide and 6" high. The Dynamo is 30% lighter than the Titan. It's easier to get up onto the roof, to work sideways, to get into dormer areas and around standpipes and chimneys. [Back to top]

 

What's the maximum roof height the Roof Razor® can handle?

The lowest edge of the roof should not be more than 18 feet from the ground. The head may  be too difficult for some to get up that high. I have many customers who have successfully used the razor on 2 story homes but if you think the initial weight of lifting the razor to your roof may be too much you may want to consider a roofrake option. The razor is excellent at clearing a lot of snow at time. So while the deluxe is lighter and can be easier to get to the second story you may spend more time getting the deeper snow off. [Back to top]

 

What is the Roof Razor® chute made of?

The 10' long chute is specially treated cloth that is slippery to snow yet stays flexible in the cold. [Back to top]

 

Does the Roof Razor® work on a shallow pitch roof?

Yes, it does. Anything 3/12 or steeper.[Back to top]


Does the Roof Razor® go over electrical roof heater tapes?

Yes, the wheels roll over electrical tapes, leaving them fastened as they were. [Back to top]

  

What is a Razor metal roof kit?

The metal roof kit with the razors are 4" wheels which will raise the bar at the bottom just under 2" off the roof surface. The wheels that come with the razors are 2". [Back to top]

 

What are the roofrakes made from?

All of our roofrakes are made of anodized aluminum. [Back to top]

 

Where are the roofrakes made?

All of our roofrakes are made in the USA. [Back to top]

 

What side of the roof razor chute faces up?

The silver side.[Back to top]

 

How do the extension poles fit together?

Razors and Deluxe: One end of the each extension is tapered in so it is slightly narrower that narrow end is about 4” long. The narrower end will go into the non-tapered end of the other extension. Also all extensions feature a pin and hole lock like you would see in a cane or crutches to keep them from pulling apart during use.

Rugged extensions have a smaller pole that fits in each extension pole that will lock extensions together. The rugged extensions also feature a pin and hole locking mechanism. [Back to top]

 

How do I track my order?

You will receive a tracking number the evening your order ships. You can track your shipment though that carrier's website.  The USPS tracking number is not very good for tracking but will help identify your package and let you know it's been shipped or has been delivered, or if there's been some sort of problem with it. Just add 2-4 days from receiving the USPS tracking till when you can expect your shipment. Be sure you know your order number before contacting us. [Back to top]

 

Passwords

The software we use for checkout requires you set up a password. Please don’t use your bank passwords or any other important passwords. When you order with us again you just enter a new password. [Back to top]

 

How do I checkout?

We use a software program that doesn’t automatically pop up when you place something in the shopping cart. This allows you to go through the pages adding extensions, roofmelt or other items without going to the checkout every time. However this means you have to go to the upper left corner where the United States flag is that says “Check Out” (or Canadian flag if you’re in Canada). [Back to top]

 

How do you ship?

Regular shipping for roofrakes is USPS Priority Mail (2-4 days) and Premium shipping is  USPS Express mail (1-2 days)
Telescoping poles and telescoping roofrakes: Regular Shipping: Fedex Ground (2-4 days) Premium Shipping: Fedex 2 day Air (2 days)
Roofmelt and Ice Melt Chemicals are shipped Fedex. Regular Shipping: Fedex Ground (2-4 days). Premium Shipping: Fed-ex 2-day Air (2 days)

Please be sure to include a mailing address that the US Post office can deliver to. If you do not have an address that the US Post office can deliver to or would prefer another carrier please indicate so in the comments section upon checkout. Fedex and UPS may cost more than the shipping amount quoted and you’ll be responsible for the difference  we will charge your credit card for that difference up to $10, if more than that we’ll contact you with the difference amount for your approval before shipping. [Back to top]

 

Shipping times:

Except in cases of major weather issues orders placed before noon are shipped that day. Orders placed between noon and 2 pm may get out but the delivery trucks start arriving at 2pm so it's cutting it close. Orders placed after 2pm will ship the following day. We ship Monday - Friday. We do not ship Saturday (Fedex does not pick up Saturday). When calculating expected delivery date note the day it ships is not counted as a day, or weekends with UPS or Fedex, And Sundays and National Holidays are not working days for the USPS. During major storms we get more orders and it may take longer to get your order out. We do have emergency plans in place which takes people from the phones so they can help pack.  [Back to top]

 

How much is shipping?

Depending on what you order and where you live; regular shipping for a roofrake runs from $15-22. Extensions add only a dollar or two. Razors are $22-28; roofmelt is $14-18. Telescoping roofrakes are $

Premium shipping runs about twice the price of regular shipping, And remember that in bad weather the shipping carriers will most likely have weather delays which will delay the arrival of your order. Shipping rates are set by the carriers based on size of package, weight and distance. [Back to top]

 

Where do you ship from?

Everything but the razors ship from 48306 (Rochester Hills, Michigan about an hour’s north of Detroit). The Razors ship from 55731 Ely, MN [Back to top]

The Shipping cost reverted to $1 after I confirmed the order

Occasionally at checkout after a shipping price is quoted, when you confirm your order somehow shipping is changed to $1. We are working on the problem, however if this happens to you we will contact you with a new shipping quote and ask that you confirm the actual shipping total by email. We can not and will not ship anything for $1.

 

Canada Shipping

Due to size restrictions with the post office, we ship to Canada Using only Fedex International Economy and Fedex International Express. You are responsible for all taxes and duties which may be due upon receiving the shipment or billed at a later time. If you do not pay these taxes and duties we will charge the card on file plus a 15% processing fee. [Back to top]

 

Shipping guarantee

While we try to ship in stock orders the same day, once we have shipped your order it is the responsibility of the carrier to get it to you. Bad weather can delay the arrival or your order. Please note in bad weather many carriers lift their time commitment guarantees. If shipment arrives after your anticipated date of receiving it you can file a claim with the carrier on your own using the tracking number provided on the package. [Back to top]

Canceling An Order

If you do not want a product, please do not order it. If you wish to cancel email sales@roofrake.com and we recommend using an email delivery method that confirms delivery and receipt. Remember email can go to spam folders. In times of large demand, we may not see your call or email for hours after you send it. Historically late January, early February has had the largest delay Simply sending an email does not equate to canceled order. We will do our best. We use contracted warehouse services and usually incur costs that will be passed on to you once an order is placed. A representation of these fees are as follows:
1. If the product is in stock and the order has been sent to the warehouse it is $6.25 for us to cancel.
2. If the product has been packed, and or a shipping label has been printed there is a $12.50 fee to cancel.
3. If the package(s) have been moved to the area for pick up there is a $25 per hour charge to hunt for it. Normally they are found with in 30 minutes
4. In extreme cases when pick up is expected in more time than we think we can find it a rush charge on top of  fees 1-3 will be added. Pickups, are between 3-4pm but subject to change.

Canceling a Back Order

Normally there is no fee associated with canceling a backorder. If you wish to cancel a backorder email sales@roofrake.com and we recommend using an email delivery method that confirms delivery and receipt. Remember email can go to spam folders. In times of large demand, we may not see your call or email for hours after you send it. You must receive an email back from us to confirm your order is canceled. The date indicated at the time of your back order is our best estimate. Any number of factors can increase or extend this date. We will do our best to contact you but it times when our snow emergency policies are in effect this may not be possible.
[Back to top]

Canceling a Special Order (SpecOrder)

There is definitely always a fee associated with fee canceling a special order.  If you wish to cancel a special order email sales@roofrake.com and we recommend using an email delivery method that confirms delivery and receipt. Remember email can go to spam folders. In times of large demand, we may not see your call or email for hours after you send it. You must receive an email back from us to confirm your order is canceled. Fees are listed in your product name. Normally the fee is $6 subject to change.
[Back to top]
 

Returns

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not satisfied for any reason ship your product back within 10 days of receipt. It is important to coordinate a return by emailing sales@roofrake.com first. You must receive an email communication back to start the return process, do not simply refuse the package. Failure to do so may result in additional charges up to $25 per order, because we use several warehouses in the US and all returns are process though only 1. Returning a Roof Razor to the Minnesota location will incur a $25 restocking charge. All parts and packing materials must be returned in original, re-sellable condition. You will be responsible for shipping charges both out and back. We also reserve the right to charge a 10% restocking fee for any reason including but not limited to:
1. if the product needs to be reboxed
2. if the product is used and needs to be sold at a discount
3. You require extra service.
 
[Back to top]


Warranty

If you have any problems with your purchase contact us immediately and we will work with you remediate it. [Back to top]

 

Privacy Statement

We do not share your private information with any third part for the purpose of marketing. We share your information in the following scenarios: 1. With reputable delivery and fulfillment companies for the purpose of shipping, notifying you of packages shipped and tracking info. 2. With a small number of companies we have works with for years for the purpose of drop shipping an order in the event the item is out of stock and we are not able to fill it from our own inventory. 3. We do not sell or offer your information to other parties. [Back to top]

 

About Roofrake.com

Roofrake.com was started in 2000 in Plymouth, Michigan. We believe that our customers need and deserve quality and durable American made products. We have been selling  these roofrake models for over 10 years. They have been proven dependable season after season. We are proud of what we sell and have tested and used these products ourselves in our Michigan winters. We consider ourselves experts and will work with you to find the best roofrake to fit your specific needs. If you have any questions beyond was was answered here or need a consultation you may email us or contact us. [Back to top]

 

Contacting Us

You may contact us at 734.560.7153 or email sales@roofrake.com  [Back to top]

 

SNOW EMERGENCY POLICIES

During snow emergencies we receive a surge in orders that we cannot simply cannot give our normal excellent customer services to. This is due to major storms and media-shock news coverage of roof rakes. Please note the following policies:

1. We will cease to take phone orders. Questions can be sent to sales@roofrake.com and we will answer them quickly but at times it could take 24-48 hours to respond.
2. Product that shows in stock - may become backordered without warning. We are pretty good at turning on backorder notifications on but it is possible to miss the timing.
3. Shipping carriers can delay shipments and pickups. All shipping carriers WILL NOT discount any prices affected by weather emergencies see Fed Ex's message below
   

Fed Ex

Winter Storm Service Update

Blizzard conditions are blanketing much of the mid-section of the U.S., leaving a combination of ice and snow across the Plains and Midwest and affecting FedEx operations.  Unavoidable service delays should be expected due to local road conditions and in areas that have issued a state of emergency.  FedEx is committed to providing service to the best of our ability in areas that can be safely accessed and where conditions have improved.  We will continue to monitor the situation to minimize the impact on service.  Please continue to check fedex.com for updates.

FedEx Express®
FedEx Express stations across Oklahoma are closed and deliveries will not be made in the Dallas area, although packages will be accepted at FedEx locations.

FedEx Ground®
Service delays should be expected in the following areas:
 
  • Arkansas: Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison
  • Illinois: Champaign, Effingham, Marion, Peoria, Quincy, Springfield
  • Indiana: Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Terre Haute
  • Kansas: Coffeyville, Wichita, Salina
  • Missouri: Brookfield, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Joplin, Lenexa, Rolla, Sikeston, Springfield,
    St. Joseph
  • Ohio: Dayton
  • Oklahoma: Enid, McAlester, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Weatherford
  • South Dakota: Watertown
  • Texas: Amarillo

FedEx Freight®
Service delays should be expected in the following areas:
 
  • Arkansas: Harrison, Lowell
  • Connecticut: Milford, Windsor Locks
  • Illinois: Effingham, East Moline, Lincoln, Rockford
  • Indiana
  • Iowa: Mason City
  • Kansas: Cherryvale, Elwood, Goodland, Great Bend, Salina, Sioux City, Topeka
  • Massachusetts: Avon, North Billerica, Shrewsbury, Westboro
  • Missouri: Columbia, Joplin, Springfield, St. Charles, St. Clair
  • Nebraska: Grand Island
  • New Jersey: Newark
  • New York: Henrietta, Montgomery, Schenectady
  • Ohio: Akron, Huron, Mentor, St. Clairsville
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania: Bethlehem
  • Texas: Amarillo, Dallas, Odesssa
  • Wisconsin: Plover


Consistent with the provisions of the FedEx Service Guide, the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee does not apply to FedEx shipments affected by weather. For specific shipment-status information, please track the status of your shipment before going to any staffed FedEx location in affected areas. You can also contact FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.

Shipping to affected areas?
To help avoid delays, we encourage you to contact your recipients to verify if their location is accepting shipments. Shipments not delivered, due to road closures and local restrictions, will be secured in one of our facilities. Delivery will be attempted when it is safe to do so.