How To Clear Ice Dams On Roof

One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt.

How to clear ice dams on roof.

If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. Clearing snow and ice dams from the roof gutters after first snow storm of the year in wisconsin. See below for a shopp. Use a roof rake after heavy snowfalls.

Learn how to turn your passion into an income. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. There are several things you can do to avoid getting an ice dam or to reduce the risk of damage after one has formed but. 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.

If your home is beginning to suffer the leaks indicative of an ice dam take a fan a box fan or small air mover into your attic and direct it at the section of roof suffering the leak. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams. 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. 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.

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. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. Ice dams are a common sight in northern new england winters and home partners has dealt with quite a few. Alternatively you can fill paper bags with calcium chloride and toss them up on to the roof just above the ice dam.

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. Over time the calcium chloride will clear a channel in the ice dam allowing the water on your roof to escape. Never use rock salt for this as it will do more damage to your roof than it will to the ice.