Removing that ice dam

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Hearing that you have an ice dam problem is a pretty scary thing to hear. Ice dams form when heat collects in the attic and warms the roof. Then the snow melts on the warm roof and then freezes on the cold eaves. Finally, ice accumulates along the eaves, forming a dam.

According to www.travelers.com the are ways to remove an ice dam. Here is what they suggest.

How to Remove an Ice Dam

Removing an ice dam from your roof immediately after spotting the signs can be critical to helping prevent damage to your home. One way to remove an ice dam is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 1. 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.

Step 2. Use a calcium chloride ice melt product, which you can generally purchase from your local hardware store. Be sure not to use rock salt or sodium chloride, which can damage your roof.

Step 3. Fill a nylon stocking with the calcium chloride ice melt.

Step 4. Safely place and position the calcium chloride-filled nylon stocking vertically across the ice dam so that it can melt a channel through the ice.

Step 5. Cover and protect any shrubbery and plants with lightweight tarps near the gutters or downspouts for the duration that the calcium chloride stockings remain in place. This is important because the calcium chloride-saturated water dripping from the roof may damage the shrubbery and plants.

REMEMBER: Using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions may be dangerous. If you cannot safely reach the roof, consider hiring a contractor.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster give SERVPRO a call today at (208) 523-5365