ROOF ICE MELT

Pull off snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake while you stand safely on the ground. A rake with wheels, like the one shown here, will instantly change the exterior temperature of your roof without damaging shingles.

ROOF ICE MELT

If necessary, use a long-handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. 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.

Getting rid of ice dams for good is simple, in principle: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof.

Anything that has chlorides in it will corrode and damage your roof... Green Earth Ice Dam Kit - #2 Pellets is totally chloride free, urea free and very effective at fighting ice dams and non-corrosive.

The Green Earth Deicer Company, Inc. is the manufacturer of high performance ice melt products that are safer for the environment. Our products include liquid and solid granular deicers for sidewalks, parking lots, roads, parking ramps, and anywhere there is concern for environmental impact.

Ice dams are notorious in the winter for causing roof damage. These thick ridges of solid ice build along the eaves and loosen the roof coating, tear off gutters, and cause roof leaks. You have to get rid of the ice dam, but should you use rock salt or a different solution?

Ice melt is applied on top of accumulated ice or snow. It absorbs moisture on top of the ice, softening the bond between the ice and the surface. Ice melt is available in liquid, tablet, or crystal form. Some people fill a pantyhose with a chemical de-icer, seal off the ends, and throw it on the roof.

This manual ice removal method involves using a claw hammer, mallet, or another tool to break the ice into small chunks. While this seems like an effective approach at first glance, it can cause extensive damage to the roof. The ice and shingles could both shatter, leaving you with the potential of roof leaks.

In the winter, ice tends to collect on some roofs near the edges because of snow from a snowstorm that melts and refreezes during a drop in temperature. While you can, and should, address the underlying cause of the ice dam, you should also seek to remove the current dam from the roof. Otherwise, it may wear on the roof and increase your likelihood of developing a leak.

Other roof issues may be contributing to the formation of ice dams on your roof. While fixing these problems will not typically resolve the ice dam by themselves, they may help reduce the severity. They will also help keep your roof in better condition in general. These contributing factors may include:

There is also a way to protect your roof and home from damage from any potential ice dams that might develop. Installing ice and water protector is often required by building codes because it offers your roof extra protection.

After a winter storm, you may notice ice formations on your roof. They are usually found at the edge of the roof, on the gutters and downspouts. Icicles may seem like a pretty sight to look at, almost like a snapshot from a winter wonderland. Many people do not realize that these things should not be ignored. As a property owner, there is a need to be aware of how ice dams can damage your roof. This is also the reason why we think that it is important to equip yourself with basic information on how to de-ice your roof.

Ice dams are formed when thick layers of ice build up along the eaves and gutters of the roof. These ice formations will then block the normal drainage system. This is where roofing issues may stem from.

Now, we are ready to go down to the details on how to de-ice your roof. Take note that the tips we enumerated below are short-term solutions. They can give temporary remedies to ice formations but will not permanently stop ice formations when another winter storm comes.

The first thing you can do as a homeowner is to visually inspect your roofing. See where the bulk of ice formations are. Check the gutters, edges, downspouts, etc. When you have identified specific areas where you can find ice dams, use a snow rake to remove them. Use it to scrape-off snow build-ups in a downward motion.

Safety reminder: When using a snow rake on your roof, do not stand on a ladder or on the roof surface. You may slip or fall if you do so. It is better to stand on the ground. Make sure that it is not slippery or wet. Aside from health hazards, it can also cause even more damage to your roof if not done correctly. Hence, it is advisable to seek assistance from trusted roofers for your own safety.

Using an ice pick, reach into the inner parts of gutters and downspouts. Prick the ice dams with caution until they crack and chip away. Be careful with handling the ice pick as it may damage the roof itself or you may hurt yourself.

You can check the nearest local hardware or home improvement stores for ice-melting products. They contain chemicals such as ammonium sulfate, calcium magnesium acetate, etc. that can effectively melt ice. They come in tablet or crystal form. Distribute the product evenly on to the affected areas.

This tip is for people experiencing leaks caused by ice dam build-ups. To melt the ice and let water flow directly on to the gutters, you can place a fan in the attic area. Before you turn it on, make sure that the air is directed to where ice dams are concentrated.

This is a simple but temporary DIY solution that you can do at home. You will need an empty spray bottle and warm water. Put the warm water inside the bottle and spray it on directly to the ice formations until it melts. The idea is to melt the ice dams so that the roof and gutters can drain them like before.

As you may notice, all of these simple steps are pretty doable. Yes, you may perform them yourselves. However, always seek to prioritize your own safety and protection. Keep in mind that these are only short-term remedies. What your roof needs are long-term solutions that will keep it in a good condition regardless of the weather.

Do not never eliminate the fact that you need to have a licensed roofer inspect and maintain your roof. They will be able to provide proper assessments of what treatments should be done. Some experienced roofers use high-pressure steam to melt ice while others conduct specialized methods. Clearly, these should only be carried out by roofing contractors who have the proper training and tools.

Even if you know how to de-ice your roof, you will still need help from the experts. You can contact our team to handle your roofing problems. Let us present you with sustainable roofing solutions at the most reasonable costs. Call us at 330-313-0620 to get a free estimate.

One of the biggest misconceptions about self regulating heat cables is whether or not they turn themselves off in warm temperature. The simple answer is they do not turn themselves off when temps rise above freezing. To turn heat cables on and off, a switch is required. The switch can be as simple as a literal switch. Some customers use a literal light switch (sometimes with a pilot light or lighted switch feature) to control their systems. When they want the heat cables to warm and melt snow and ice, they turn the switch on. When they want the system off, they turn the switch off. Other property owners use simple or sophisticated thermostat controllers to turn the heat cables on and off.

A simple switch is the most economical way to go. There is a drawback. Forget to turn the system on and ice dams may form which will be difficult for the ice dam prevention system to overcome. Every year customers forget to turn their roof and gutter ice melt systems on and then complain about their systems not working properly. Forget to turn the system off when it is not need and operating costs skyrocket. For the customer who is home and knows they will monitor the functioning of their ice dam system, it is a great choice.

Moisture and Temperature Sensors. Another popular option is a thermostat with moisture sensing capabilities. The concept is that the system will not turn on unless it has snowed and temperatures are below freezing. These controllers are a great choice for customers who are able to monitor their roof ice melting systems periodically. This is required because the controllers turn the system off after the snow has stopped and may not retrigger when snowmelt reaches the gutter or eave edge. These systems come with a manual override feature to account for this. These systems are not a set it and forget it option. Under some conditions, ice dams can and do form if these controllers do not pick up the melted run off. The moisture sensors also require annual maintenance to insure proper functioning.

Ambient Sensing Controllers. A reliable temperature controller for your heat cable ice melt system is an ambient sensing controller. These controllers turn the heat cables on at a predetermined set point - usually @ 35 degrees. Another option is a secondary shut off point at @ 9 degrees. The concept is that the controller will turn on the ice dam prevention system when temps are between 9 and 35 degrees - the temperature at which ice dams form and snow falls. On the DC Series Digital Controller from Edge Melt Systems, these settings are completely adjustable. The drawback on this controller is that it is on during those temps even when no snow is present on the roof. The DC Series Digital Controller has a manual override switch to account for this. This controller is priced for the residential market making it available even for smaller roof ice melt systems.

If you need to melt ice and snow from your rubber roof, Safe Thaw is a great option. This product is non-corrosive and safe for use on rubber roofs, as well as concrete, asphalt, plants, and pets. It is also safe for children and animals of all kinds. 041b061a72