If the ice dam breaks free it can pull shingles and gutters off with it and it will damage anything it falls on.
Roof leak repair ice dams.
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.
For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.
Ice dams snow removal roof shovel and ice dam leak repairs.
There are two avenues of attack.
Dealing with existing ice dams.
Driveways parking lots side walks etc.
If you suspect an ice dam developed on your roof there are things you can do right away to minimize the damage.
Too much snow on a roof that s overheated because warm air is leaking into your attic.
If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.
Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams.
Isolate areas when you run the hose.
How can you deal with an ice dam.
Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.
Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks.
The cold air will freeze the water.
If the roof sheathing stays wet it can form mildew and start to rot.
First get rid of any built up snow using a roof rake used for single family homes with pitched roofs or shoveling it off on flat roofs or when there s a significant amount of snow.
Dealing with an existing ice dam and preventing one in the first place.
5 steps to handling ice dam damage.
Apply calcium chloride or another ice melting product onto the ice.
If an ice dam has formed here are immediate steps you can take to help prevent further damage.
Shrubs windowsills cars pets and people.
Heat cable doesn t fix the root cause of the problem.
See below for a shopp.
A steamer is like a pressure washer except that the water is hot.
If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.
Residential and commercial snow removal snow plowing and roof shoveling service.
Place a box fan in the attic and direct it at the underside of the roof where water is leaking in.
It melts the ice away without damaging the roofing.
If you have leakage from an ice dam and can t rake the snow off the roof the best way to get rid of the ice dam is to hire a roofing company to steam it off.