How To Clear Ice Dams On 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.

How to clear ice dams on roof.

One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt. 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. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams.

See below for a shopp. 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. Ice dams are a common sight in northern new england winters and home partners has dealt with quite a few. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. 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. Use a roof rake after heavy snowfalls. 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.

Alternatively you can fill paper bags with calcium chloride and toss them up on to the roof just above the ice dam. 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. Clearing snow and ice dams from the roof gutters after first snow storm of the year in wisconsin. 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.

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. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.