How To Clear Ice Dams On Roof

Using a long handled roof rake to removing the snow from at least at lower 4 feet of roof edge can help prevent ice dams from forming.

How to clear ice dams on roof.

See below for a shopp. Alternatively you can fill paper bags with calcium chloride and toss them up on to the roof just above the ice dam. Over time the calcium chloride will clear a channel in the ice dam allowing the water on your roof to escape. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.

Clearing snow and ice dams from the roof gutters after first snow storm of the year in wisconsin. One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home.

Using a roof rake remove snow 3 4 feet from the edge of your roof being careful not to damage the roof covering or to allow snow to build up around walking paths or to block emergency exits. Use a roof rake after heavy snowfalls. The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. Eliminate its fuel source if left alone the ice dam will continue to be built up by the snow and ice up on your roof.

Never use rock salt for this as it will do more damage to your roof than it will to the ice. This blast of cold air will usually be enough to refreeze the fingers of the ice dam while the snow and ice is melting away on the outside of your home. Ice dams appear quickly after a heavy snow because of the insulating properties of snow. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

So the first step is to remove this ice and snow using a snow rake which is a retractable rake that can extend up to about 17 feet or so in length. Learn how to turn your passion into an income. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams.