Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Outdoor Power Equipment). This thread is read-only.
I run a marina in southeast Missouri. One of the biggest things that can hurt our marina is snow/ice build-up on our roofs. When the snow starts piling up we have to get on the roof and shovel the snow off before it sinks the docks.
Last year I borrowed a small Toro gas snowblower and it cruised through the snow with ease, however, it only threw the snow about 6′, which meant I spent a lot of time blowing snow that I had already blown (if that makes sense). The other drawback is that the roof is your typical corrugated barn tin, with ridges and sheet metal screws sticking up – the snow blower kept getting snagged on the screws.
I would like to find a lightweight (have to haul it up on a ladder to the roof) snowblower that can deal with uneven surfaces. I’m no he-man so am hoping for something that weighs around 30-50 lb. I’ve been looking at the battery/cordless options and think that’s going to be my best bet (unless I can find a gas snowblower that weighs around 30-40 lb). It would have to be able to throw snow at least 20′ to get the snow off the roof. The uneven surface issue leads me to think I will need a rubber scraper/blade solution.
We have to get the snow off the roof before it gets greater than 3″, otherwise our docks start to sink. This means I don’t need a very powerful snow blower.
I welcome any constructive input/suggestions/thoughts/ideas/etc that you would share.
I have seen guys use this thing with rollers attached to a long pole with a slippery fabric connected. they push the roller up the roof then the snow slides down the fabric onto the ground. It might be an option. Also you could try a power broom. There are handheld options and options that look almost like a snowblower.
What about resistance roof heating?
Most snow blower manuals specifically state not to use them on roofs.
But if you are keen on getting a snowblower Snow Joe ION15SB-LT iON is on the top, though I have not used it myself. You could check its specifications and see if it meets your needs.