

Ice dam removal how to#
In order to learn how to remove ice dams you’ll need to know how to snow rake because it takes away the snow feeding the ice dam with melted water.This is how it is supposed to work because you don’t want to scrape the shingles directly. The wheels on the rake elevate it enough to leave a thin layer of snow on the roof. Pull the rake toward you and drag snow off the edge.If snow is shallow, you may be able to rake 3 or 4 feet with each swipe. If snow if very deep, rake only 1 or 2 feet of snow at a time. Depending on the depth of snow, place it a few feet up from the edge.Standing back from the house, lift the roof rake onto the roof.A snow rake has a long handle and small wheels on the shovel blade.Run hot water over the ice until it melts away.Climb the ladder and bring the hose up to the roof.Lean a ladder against the roof and make sure that it is stable.Extend the garden hose outside to the ice dam location.Connect a garden hose to the threaded faucet.Hot water is one of the fastest methods to remove ice dams. If you have a utility sink with a threaded faucet, you have the ability to deliver hot water to your roof.Directions for How to Remove Ice Dams Hot water method:

Until then, it remains important to halt the accumulation of ice as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll address the problem causing the ice dams when you have a chance. Since you’ll be working on a ladder, take safety precautions. As a homeowner, you have a couple of options when learning how to remove ice dams. Compromised shingles will eventually lead to water penetrating your home. These chemical products will deteriorate the shingles and other roofing materials. Water can take advantage of this damage until finally the shingles crack.ĭistributing ice melting products on the ice dam is not a good idea either. Even minor dings to the shingles reduce their weather resistance. The blunt force could damage the shingles. Although your first impulse might be to knock the ice loose with a hammer or pick, this is not the right approach.

Roof decking could start to rot, or water can begin to leak into your home. The trapped ice also creates opportunities for water to back up underneath your shingles. When you spot one of these on your home, you need to know how to remove ice dams quickly to avoid potentially serious damage.Īs more ice builds up, the weight could bend or break your gutter system. The melt water trickles toward the gutter, but the cold exterior air soon freezes it. Warm air radiating upward from a home melts snow on the roof.
