How to Lay Nylons With Salt on the Roof to Help With Ice

Homes and other buildings in region that are subject to wintry precipitation like snow and freezing rain may occasionally see a buildup of ice on a roof. While a thin, even layer of ice typically raises little concern, a heavy snow load or the formation of an ice dam with standing water behind it can cause leaks or serious structural issues. Freeze-thaw cycles can lead to ice dams, but most result from uneven roof temperatures that require the installation of extra insulation or ventilation to resolve the issue. However, ice dams can be treated temporarily with nylon stockings filled with deicing salt.

Roof rake or push broom
Nylon stockings
Scissors, if needed
Deicing salt
Ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Remove snow from on top of and a few feet above and behind the ice dam using a roof rake or push broom. Although this is not entirely necessary, it will lower the amount of snow and ice that the sock has to melt through.
- 2
  Cut the nylons so that the legs are separated, if they are not already separated.
- 3
  Fill each nylon stocking with deicing compound. Choose a salt or alternative deicer that will not harm the roofing material. Avoid rock salt, sodium chloride, which can corrode or discolor roofing materials and instead use a deicer labelled as safe for roofs.
- 4
  Tie off the open end of each stocking.
- 5
  Lay the stockings across the ice dam. Make sure that each stocking extends slightly beyond the roof or gutter edge so that it can create a clear drainage path. Lay stockings every several feet as needed, concentrating the stockings near where any leaks have occurred or are most likely to develop.
- 6
  Check the status of the roof ice and stockings every few days. Move and refill or replace the nylons as needed.

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