How to Remove Ice Dams From Your Roof
Ice dams can wreak havoc on roofs, but there are ways to remove and prevent them. We discuss these removal and prevention strategies in the sections below, so read on!
If you are hesitant about removing ice dams by yourself, contact a skilled Raleigh roofing company to take care of them for you.
Ways to Remove Ice Dams
Use Hot Water
Hot water can melt an ice dam, of course, but you need to be careful when using hot water for this purpose since there’s a chance you can damage the roof if you’re careless.
It’s best if the water isn’t scalding; only a cup or two should be poured.
While this method certainly works, it isn’t the best, mainly because hot water can damage some roof components. Moreover, such a rapid and drastic temperature swing can cause shingles to crack, whether made of asphalt or slate.
Use a Shovel, Pick, Or Hammer
Shovels, picks, hammers, and even chisels can be used to remove ice dams, but you should only choose this removal method if you know 100% what you’re doing.
If you don’t have the necessary know-how, you could damage the roof, leading to more ice dams.
Instead, let the professionals handle things; they’ll have all the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to remove ice dams.
Use Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride can break down ice dams, but you shouldn’t sprinkle the granules directly on an ice dam.
Instead, vertically fill tube socks with the granules and lay them on the ice dam. This way, when the ice melts, channels through which water can pass are formed, accelerating the melting process and helping to prevent ice dams from building up later.
Don’t use rock salt as a substitute for calcium chloride, as this can damage shingles and kill bushes and foliage that may be under the gutters or near downspouts.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Remove Snow Immediately
When snow falls on your roof, it’s best to be proactive. That is, you should get up on the roof right when the snow stops falling to remove as much as possible. With the snow not there, it’ll be harder for substantial ice dams to form.
Installed Heating Cables
You can use heating cables around parts of the roof that are prone to ice dams. However, these cables may stick out if you don’t set them up well, and they can get dislodged while you’re shoveling. Typically they cost $125-$250 and can last up to 10 years.
Make Sure the Attic Is Sealed & Insulated
Improving attic insulation can help too. Decent insulation will prevent warmer inside air from contacting colder outside air. Thereby avoiding the expansion-contraction process that can damage shingles, flashing, etc.
Lanes Contracting Can Remove Ice Dams for You
When you need ice dams removed or other roofing services, look no further than Lanes Contracting. We’ve been proudly serving the Greater Triangle for years, and we’re sought-after for our workmanship and top-notch customer service.
Call us at (984) 355-9692 or visit us online to get a quote now!
