How to De Ice Your Roof (Step-by-Step Guide)

Wondering how to de ice your roof this winter? We’ve got you covered with easy, safe tips to keep your home dry and protected.

Winter is beautiful but the snow and cold also come with challenges. One of those is dealing with ice dams on your roof. 

If ice builds up along the edges of your roof, it can cause leaks and water damage inside your home. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you safely de-ice your roof and prevent further damage.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam forms when snow on your roof melts and the water flows down to the eaves (edges of your roof). When the temperature is below freezing, this water refreezes and forms a dam of ice. This dam traps water behind it, which can leak into your home and cause damage.

How to De Ice Your Roof

Step 1: Stay Safe First

Before you start de-icing your roof, make sure you’re safe. Climbing on a roof is risky, especially when ice and snow are involved. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Use a sturdy ladder and make sure it’s set up on solid ground.
• Wear non-slip shoes to avoid slipping on icy surfaces.
• If you’re not comfortable on a ladder or roof, it’s best to call a professional ice dam removal company. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step 2: Remove the Snow

Start by removing the snow from your roof. You can do this using a roof rake with a long handle. This tool lets you safely clear the snow from the edge of your roof while standing on the ground. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage your roof.

Clearing the snow helps reduce the chance of ice forming and makes it easier to remove any ice that’s already built up.

Step 3: Use Calcium Chloride to Melt the Ice

If there’s already ice on your roof, calcium chloride is one of the best ways how to de ice your roof. This type of ice melt works by creating heat as it dissolves, which helps break down the ice.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Put calcium chloride in a sock or stocking. This makes it easy to place on the roof without making a mess.
2. Lay the sock across the ice dam. The calcium chloride will slowly melt the ice and help the water flow off the roof.
3. You can also sprinkle a small amount of calcium chloride directly on the ice. Just be careful not to use too much, as it can damage your roof or landscaping.

Step 4: Create a Path for Water to Flow

As the ice begins to melt, you need to help the water flow off your roof. Use a long stick or broom handle to gently break a path through the ice, letting the water flow freely. This helps stop water from getting trapped and causing more damage.

Step 5: Clear Your Gutters

Your gutters are an important part of keeping water flowing off your roof. Clogged gutters can trap water, making ice dams worse. After snowstorms, make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. You might even consider installing gutter guards to keep your gutters cleaner in the future.

Step 6: Add Insulation to Your Attic

One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is to insulate your attic. When warm air escapes from your attic, it can melt the snow on your roof. If your attic is cold and properly insulated, the snow won’t melt unevenly, which helps stop ice dams from forming.

When to Call a Professional

If the ice buildup is too much to handle or keeps happening every winter, it might be time to call in the professionals. Columbia Plateau is here to help with ice dam removal and prevention. Our team knows how to de ice your roof professionally to make sure your home stays protected.

Choose Columbia Plateau As Your Ice Dam Removal Company!

If you need help dealing with ice dams in Ellensburg and nearby areas, contact Columbia Plateau right away. We know how to deal with snow and ice safely and effectively. Our team uses only the best techniques to remove ice without harming your roof. Call us now to schedule an inspection and ice dam removal!