How To Clear An Ice Dam On Roof

How to remove an ice dam.

How to clear an ice dam on roof.

One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt. 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. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow water from draining off the roof. 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. 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. See below for a shopp. An ice dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions.

Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams. Over time the calcium chloride will clear a channel in the ice dam allowing the water on your roof to escape. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home.

As more snow melts it will also refreeze when it hits the new ice slowly building up a frozen wall that pushes backward up the roof raising shingles and sliding into unprotected roof sheathing. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls ceilings insulation and other areas.

Fill a woman s stocking with calcium chloride and lay it in position directly over the ice dam in your gutter. Ice dams are a common sight in northern new england winters and home partners has dealt with quite a few. Here are five ways to remove an ice dam from your roof.