How to Get Rid of an Ice Block on a Roof

Ice blocks on a roof occur when the snow melts and refreezes. As the water flows downward from the peak of the roof, it reaches colder areas of the roof below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the below-freezing temperature causes the melted snow to freeze, creating an ice dam. This blockage becomes a nuisance because it prevents additional melting snow from flowing off the roof, sometimes causing water to leak into the home's ceilings, walls and insulation. Magnesium chloride is one of the least corrosive deicing materials and works effectively and safely to remove an ice block from a roof.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Roof rake
• Magnesium chloride
• Pantyhose

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Rake off any snow on top of the ice block with a roof rake. Place a ladder next to the roof and climb onto it with the rake to access the roof or use an extending roof rake to reach the roof from the ground.

   • 2

     Cut a pair of pantyhose in half so you are left with two legs.

   • 3

     Pour magnesium chloride into each leg of pantyhose. Fill the hose to just underneath the top then tie the top closed.

   • 4

     Climb on the ladder and place the two pairs of hose over the top of the ice block.

   • 5

     Remove the pantyhose from the roof after the ice melts, usually within 12 to 24 hours.