How to de-ice your roof?
The snowy months of winter leave us with so much more than the snow piled up our driveaway, hilarious videos of people slipping on ice, and hot chocolate. It also leaves us with icy roofs. If left as is, ice causes significant damage to our roofs. People have been shoveling their roofs for centuries, but more efficient ways to de-ice your roof now exist.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s important to protect your home – including your roof. One of the best ways to do this is by de-icing your roof. But what does that mean, exactly? And how do you go about doing it? Here’s everything you need to know about de-icing your roof.
What Is De-Icing?
De-icing means removing ice from something – in this case, your roof. When water freezes, it expands. This can cause all sorts of problems, including cracked shingles and leaks. De-icing your roof helps to prevent these problems by removing the ice before it has a chance to do any damage.
Why Should You De-Ice Your Roof?
There are a few reasons why you should make de-icing your roof a priority this winter. First, as we mentioned, ice can cause significant damage to your roof. Removing it before it has a chance to build up can help prevent expensive repairs.
Second, ice can also be dangerous. Melting ice can lead to water leaking into your home, which can cause all sorts of problems – not to mention be a major inconvenience. Water damage is no joke, and it’s important to do everything possible to prevent it.
Finally, while it’s not always the case, ice can signify a bigger problem. If you have an ice dam, for example, it could be a sign that your home isn’t properly insulated. You’ll want to take care of this as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How to De-Ice Your Roof
Now that you know why de-icing your roof is so important, it’s time to learn how to do it. The first step is to identify where the ice is. You can do this by looking for icicles or areas where the snow appears to be melting more slowly than usual. Once you’ve identified where the ice is, you can start removing it. There are a few different ways of de-icing your roof, starting with the most basic ones:
Using warm water: Using warm water to de-ice your roof is one of the simplest and easiest methods of de-icing. However, it is also a temporary one. When using warm water, ensure the temperature is not too hot, as it can damage your roof. The best way to do this is by using a garden hose and setting the water to a lukewarm temperature.
Using salt: Salt is an effective way to de-ice your roof as it helps to lower the freezing point of water. This means the ice will melt more quickly, making it easier for you to remove. When using salt, make sure that you spread it evenly over the affected area. You should also be careful not to use too much salt as it can damage your roof.
Using calcium chloride: Calcium chloride is another effective way to de-ice your roof. Like salt, calcium chloride helps to lower the freezing point of water, making it easier for you to remove the ice. However, calcium chloride is more effective than salt and is less likely to damage your roof.
Remove Ice Dams Using Snow Rake: A snow rake is a tool specifically designed to remove snow and ice from your roof. It consists of a long pole with a blade at the end, which you can use to safely remove snow and ice from your roof. When using an ice rake, be careful not to damage your shingles.
Chipping at Ice Dams Using Ice Pick: While we don’t recommend this due to a fear of what it could do to your roof, chipping at Ice Dams using an ice pick is an effective way to remove them. However, you must be careful when doing this, as it can cause holes in your shingles or destroy them, especially if you have old ones.
Fan the Attic Area: This is more for preventative measures but if you live in an area prone to Ice Dams, make sure to keep the attic well ventilated. This will help prevent ice dam formation by keeping the air in the attic cooler.
Hiring a Professional: If you’re not comfortable de-icing your roof yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. This is the safest option, and it will ensure that the job is done properly.
De-icing your roof is an important part of winter maintenance. By taking the time to remove the ice, you can help prevent damage to your roof and keep your home safe and dry all winter!
