Ice On Roof How To Thaw

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.

Ice on roof how to thaw.

It all depends on the extent of the ice buildup. Ice dams can pose many problems. Don t use a side to side motion because doing so could dislodge shingles. Do not use rock salt.

As more and more water melts down the roof and refreezes at these locations ice builds up and forms a blockage or dam. Over time the calcium chloride will clear a channel in the ice dam allowing the water on your roof to escape. It will damage paint metals and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains. Reapply the tablets as needed.

They form when snow melts in warmer areas of the roof sending water running down toward the edge. In this video master electrician for ask this old house scott caron helps a homeowner install heat cables on his roof to stop ice dams. Stand on the ground not on the roof or ladder and use this rake to scrape the existing snowpack down off your roof. If necessary use a long handled rake or other tool to help get it in position.

Purchase the salt you d use to melt ice on a sidewalk or driveway from a local hardware or big box store. The socks will create melt a channel in the ice to allow the water to run off your roof instead of building up along the eaves and leaking inside. Next go up on the roof and put ice melt socks vertically one end onto the gutter and the other end up the roof slopes spacing them every 3 feet. Clip in the cable along the same zigzag pattern as the shingle clips.

If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. When it reaches the eaves where the temperature of the roof is colder the water refreezes. Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melter. There truly is no wrong way to do this.

Pull the snow toward you. This will help prevent water damage if the melting ice overflows the drain pan and leaks onto the floor. This is a great way to get the water flowing if you have ice buildup. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals and throw small handfuls of the deicer onto the roof so it can start melting the snow.

Distribute roof melt tablets evenly around the perimeter of the roof either near the eaves or near the gutters to assist with ice reduction. An ice pick or awl is best for this task though a crowbar or hatchet can work too. If you can access your indoor ac unit you may want to put some towels on the floor surrounding the unit. An overflowing drain pan.

Secure shingle clips to roof shingles using a flathead screwdriver making sure to align them in a zigzag pattern. As you re waiting for the unit to thaw keep an eye out for. Fill a woman s stocking with calcium chloride and lay it in position directly over the ice dam in your gutter.