How to Melt Snow on the Roof Quickly

According to the New York City Office of Emergency Management, snow that is allowed to accumulate on a roof and become heavy can potentially cause damage to the structure of the house. Melting the snow quickly will turn the snow into water that can safely run into and out of the house's gutters and drains. When the weight is lifted, the threat of damage will be eliminated.

Warm clothes
Scarf
Snow shovel/roof rake
Pair of nylons
Calcium chloride ice melter
Heat tape

Instructions

- 1
  Dress warm, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cool temperatures as you work on the roof to melt the snow. Stretching before you begin working outside is also recommended so that you do not pull a muscle.
- 2
  Shovel as much of the snow off the roof as you can. You have the option of using a snow shovel or a roof rake to do this. The roof rake will work best when the snow is powdery, while a snow shovel is more capable of handling the wet snow.
- 3
  Melt the snow by laying several pairs of nylon stockings filled with a calcium chloride ice melter over the roof. You can place the nylons three feet apart, and move them to a new section of your roof as they successfully melt the snow. Toss the nylons in the trash when you are done.
- 4
  Place strips of heat tape across the snow on your roof if you still have snow left after using the calcium chloride filled nylons. This method will only work if you still have electricity to your home. The heat from heat tape will quickly melt the snow.

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