How to Fix a Leaky Roof Due to Ice Dams

Ice dams are buildups of ice along the edge of roof that prevent melting snow and ice from draining properly, creating a puddle of water between the dam and the roof. This occurs when heat released from the attic melts snow on the roof. As the temperatures rise again, the melting snow freezes, creating a buildup of ice on the roof’s edge. Depending on the severity of the ice dam and seasonal temperature, this can lead to a leaky roof. If you’ve noticed your roof leaking, immediately take care of the ice dams to prevent further damage.

Calcium chloride pellets
Pantyhose
Ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride pellets. Fill each leg.
- 2
  Tie the pantyhose off at the waist. Optionally, add rubber bands around each leg every 4 to 5 inches, to create “compartments” -- this helps to prevent all the pellets from clumping together in the foot of the pantyhose.
- 3
  Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to create enough ice-melting devices to place every 3 feet along the roof’s edge.
- 4
  Place the ice-melting devices on your roof, using a ladder. Allow 1 foot of the device to hang just over the gutter. Swing the other foot 180 degrees, creating a straight line out of the pantyhose, perpendicular to the roof ridge. The calcium chloride will immediately go to work melting the ice and snow. As the ice melts, the ice dam will dissolve and water will no longer seep through the roof and cause a leak.

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