7 Tools for Removing Heavy Snow Loads from Hoop Houses

Standing outside at two in the morning watching wet snow pile up on greenhouse poly film is a terrifying moment for any grower. A single heavy snowstorm can crush thousands of dollars in steel tubing and ruin months of overwintered crops in a matter of hours. Having the right tools and techniques ready before the storm hits is the only way to clear snow safely without tearing film or collapsing your structure.

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Understanding Snow Load Risks on Hoop Houses

Hoop houses rely on tension and arch geometry to shed snow, but wet snow acts like heavy concrete against polyethylene film. As snow accumulates along the top peak, weight shifts unevenly, causing individual bows to bend, twist, or buckle inward. A sudden severe storm can easily dump thousands of pounds of downward pressure onto a standard steel frame in just a few hours.

Heavy accumulation does not just threaten structural steel; it stretches and tears expensive six-mil greenhouse plastic beyond repair. Once poly film sags under weight, low pockets trap meltwater that quickly refreezes into thick ice sheets. These concentrated weight points create extreme stress that no curved arch can shed without manual intervention.

Understanding snow density is critical for small-scale growers. Fresh, dry powder weighs around five pounds per cubic foot, while slushy, wet snow easily exceeds twenty pounds per cubic foot. Knowing when to act—and having your removal gear staged before the storm hits—is the difference between saving an overwintered crop and clearing twisted scrap metal in spring.

Roof Rake – Garelick 21 Foot Aluminum Rake

A long-reach roof rake gives growers the reach needed to clear heavy snow from the high ridge of a hoop house without leaning against delicate plastic. Reaching high arches from ground level prevents dangerous ladder setups on icy footings around the tunnel perimeter.

The Garelick 21 Foot Aluminum Rake stands out due to its lightweight, segmented aluminum pole design and smooth rollers on the blade that keep metal edges from contacting the poly film. Its 21-foot reach provides ample length for standard 12-to-20-foot wide gothic or quonset structures without flexing excessively under load.

• Reach: 21-foot telescoping multi-section aluminum pole
• Blade features: Integrated blade rollers to elevate cutting metal above plastic
• Weight: Under 6 pounds to minimize arm and shoulder fatigue

Keep in mind that pushing hard with a metal blade can tear cold-brittle film if the rollers lift off the surface. This rake is ideal for growers managing taller gothic structures with deep snow, but it requires steady, pulling motions rather than aggressive upward scraping.

Foam Rake – SnoBrum Push Snow Removal Tool

Standard metal or plastic snow rakes can catch on greenhouse film seams, purlins, or end-wall flashing, creating costly tears. A dedicated foam rake solves this by providing a wide, soft contact surface that pushes heavy drifts off smooth plastic surfaces without any risk of puncturing the cover.

The SnoBrum Push Snow Removal Tool features a heavy-duty, non-abrasive high-density foam head attached to a rigid telescoping pole. It glides effortlessly over plastic film, molding slightly over curved purlins and ribs to push snow off the roof without scratching double-layer inflation systems.

• Head material: High-density cross-linked polyethylene foam block
• Handle: Telescoping aluminum handle extending up to 48 inches (expandable with threaded extensions)
• Safe contact: Zero metal or sharp plastic edges exposed to poly film

Because the foam head pushes snow rather than pulling it down like a traditional rake, it requires more upper-body push strength when clearing deep drifts. This tool is perfect for growers with lower-profile hoop tunnels or caterpillar tunnels who prioritize total film protection over long-distance pulling power.

Snow Slide Rake – Avalanche 500 Roof Rake

When snow piles several feet deep along the ridge, pulling snow down in heavy clumps can bury the operator or tear plastic under sudden avalanches. A slide-style rake cuts beneath the bottom layer of snow, letting gravity slice the drift off the roof on a smooth plastic tarp runner.

The Avalanche 500 Roof Rake uses a specialized frame with wheels and a 12-foot plastic slide sheet that undercuts snowpacks with minimal physical effort. As you push the frame up the curve of the hoop house, snow slices off and slides down the plastic sheet right over the base boards.

• Cutting mechanism: 1.5-inch vinyl wheels protect poly film while frame cuts snow
• Slide material: 12-foot plastic slide sheet for effortless gravity shed
• Handle setup: Snap-together fiberglass pole sections for customizable reach

This tool requires a steep roof angle to work efficiently, making it ideal for gothic-style hoop houses where snow slides naturally once undercut. It is less effective on flat-topped quonset designs or on crusty, frozen ice layers that require manual breaking.

Propane Torch – Red Dragon Heavy Duty Torch

When wet snow turns into solid ice ridges along hip rails and purlins, mechanical clearing tools can rip winter film to shreds. Controlled thermal management along baseboards melts frozen bonds quickly, allowing ice sheets to slide off safely without mechanical scraping.

The Red Dragon Heavy Duty Torch delivers up to 500,000 BTU, making quick work of ice dams along ground skirts, frozen perimeter drainage paths, and heavy baseboard ice build-up. Its long wand keeps the operator at a safe distance while providing precise heat application along lower steel frames.

• Heat output: 500,000 BTU output with adjustable needle valve control
• Safety features: Full steel construction with comfortable handle grip
• Fuel source: Standard 20 lb propane cylinder compatible

Extreme caution is required around poly film; keep the flame at least two feet away from greenhouse plastic to prevent instant melting or fires. This torch is best for clearing heavy ice around metal baseboards, perimeter gutters, and ground anchors rather than direct roof melting.

Support Post – Tiger Brand Adjustable Jack

Heavy, wet snowstorms can quickly exceed the structural weight rating of standard 1.315-inch or 1.66-inch steel tubing used in small-farm hoop houses. Temporary vertical support posts transform flexible roof arches into rigid trusses, preventing center purlins from sagging under unexpected snow accumulation.

The Tiger Brand Adjustable Jack provides heavy-gauge steel support with high load capacities, featuring an easy-to-turn screw mechanism for fine height adjustments. Positioned under central purlins or peak junctions inside the tunnel, it locks arches into place before a storm dumps heavy weight onto the structure.

• Capacity: Rated for heavy loads up to 18,000 lbs depending on extension height
• Adjustment range: Threaded screw rod with locking safety pin design
• Footing: Broad top and bottom steel plates to distribute weight evenly

Place broad wooden blocks beneath the bottom plate on soil floors to prevent the jack from sinking into soft ground under pressure. These jacks are essential for any small-scale grower living in high-snow zones who needs reliable emergency reinforcement during multi-day blizzards.

Leaf Blower – Ego Power+ 56V Cordless Blower

Waiting for snow to settle and pack down makes removal vastly more difficult and dangerous for the plastic film. High-velocity air strips light, fresh snow off smooth poly film instantly without any physical contact or risk of puncturing expensive covers.

The Ego Power+ 56V Cordless Blower generates up to 650 CFM at 160 MPH, offering intense clearing power without dragged extension cords or gas exhaust inside enclosed hoop structures. Its lightweight build and variable-speed trigger allow growers to clear snow from ground level or gently blow out snow drifts trapped in hip-rail channels.

• Air volume/speed: Up to 650 CFM and 160 MPH with turbo boost mode
• Power platform: 56V ARC Lithium battery system (works in freezing temperatures)
• Weight: Balanced, lightweight design reduces operator arm fatigue

Cordless blowers are ineffective against wet, sticky slush or frozen crusts, serving strictly as a rapid-response tool during early snowfall. Use this tool during cold powder storms to prevent initial accumulation from ever building up into heavy, dangerous ice loads.

Snow Shovel – Suncast 20 Inch Snow Shovel

Once snow slides off the high arch of a hoop house, it lands directly against the sidewalls, creating massive lateral pressure that pushes walls inward. A durable shovel is essential for moving cleared snow away from baseboards to maintain perimeter access and prevent wall collapse.

The Suncast 20 Inch Snow Shovel combines a tough poly blade with a galvanized steel wear strip, offering the ideal balance of scraping strength and plastic-safe material. Its ergonomic combo blade design allows growers to lift heavy banks away from baseboards or push accumulation clear of walkways around the structure.

• Blade width: 20-inch poly blade with non-scratch rounded edge
• Reinforcement: Galvanized steel edge strip for cutting packed snow banks
• Shaft design: Ergonomic steel shaft with wide D-ring grip for winter gloves

Never use sharp metal-only spade shovels near poly film, as a slip can slash base plastic near ground level. This shovel is perfect for clearing hip-high snowbanks away from side skirts, keeping ventilation roll-up curtains operational through winter.

Safe Techniques for Scraping Plastic Film

Scraping polyethylene film during freezing weather requires patience, gentle pressure, and correct tool angles to avoid catastrophically popping chilled plastic. Cold film loses its elasticity and can shatter or tear easily under sharp impacts or localized pressure from rigid tool edges.

Always work from the peak downward in smooth, parallel strokes, keeping tool heads resting flat against the plastic surface. Never strike ice or hard-packed snow directly; instead, lift lower layers gently to allow air beneath the sheet, causing snow to slide under its own weight.

Working inside a heated tunnel by tapping gently on the interior film with a soft broom can vibrate the sheet enough to release frozen top layers safely. Maintain a steady rhythm and stay clear of falling snow loads, ensuring a safe exit path away from the tunnel sides at all times.

How to Prevent Ice Build Up Around Base Walls

Meltwater running off warm hoop house roofs quickly pools along baseboards and refreezes into thick ice walls during cold night temperatures. This base ice locks roll-up sides in place, blocks drainage pathways, and exerts inward crushing force on structural base tubing.

Installing perimeter French drains or gravel channels along the drip line allows meltwater to soak into the soil before freezing into surface ice sheets. Laying thick, black landscape fabric or rubber mats along sidewalls absorbs solar radiation during sunny winter days, naturally melting ice banks back from the structure.

Slope surrounding soil away from baseboards at a minimum two percent grade to guide run-off away from the tunnel footprint. Keeping base walls free of deep snow drifts prevents moisture from wicking up structural lumber and corroding steel bow anchors over time.

Internal Framing Tips for High Snow Load

Standard hoop house frames often lack the structural rigidity required to withstand heavy winter snow loads without internal reinforcement. Adding temporary or permanent cross-ties, ridge purlins, and ground-anchored vertical supports creates a rigid skeleton that distributes weight across all arches.

Install continuous top-ridge purlins clamped to every hoop with heavy-duty pipe cross connectors to keep individual arches from twisting independently. Diagonal wind bracing along side walls and end frames further locks the structure into a single, cohesive unit capable of supporting heavy overhead weight.

Consider adding removable collar ties across the upper third of each bow to act as horizontal trusses during peak winter months. These ties hold arches rigid against heavy top loads and can be unbolted in spring to provide clear headroom for tall seasonal crops.

Winter Management Checklist for Hoop Tunnel

Staying ahead of winter weather requires a systematic maintenance routine before, during, and after major snow events. Preparing your hoop tunnel in late fall ensures tools are staged, inflation systems are running, and structural supports are firmly in place.

Run through this routine maintenance checklist as winter approaches to safeguard your structure:

• Inspect and inflate: Check double-layer poly inflation blowers and repair film tears with UV-stabilized greenhouse tape.
• Set internal supports: Install temporary vertical jack posts under central purlins before ground freezes solid.
• Stage removal tools: Store roof rakes, foam pushers, and blowers inside a dry, accessible shed near the tunnel.
• Clear drainage paths: Remove debris, dead vegetation, and leaves from exterior perimeter drip trenches.

During storm events, monitor snow accumulation every few hours and remove snow as soon as it reaches four inches deep. Prompt action combined with pre-installed internal framing ensures your hoop house stays standing safely through the harshest winter weather.

Protecting your hoop house from winter snow damage comes down to having the right tools on hand and acting quickly before ice sets in. With proper internal reinforcement, gentle removal gear, and clear base walls, your structure will easily survive severe storms. Equip your farm now so you can weather the winter months with complete confidence in your protective setup.