How to Remove Ice From a Roof With Melt Socks

Home or business owners in snowy areas may become alarmed by the development of ice on their roofs. Although a thin, uniform layer of ice shouldn't typically raise concerns, if repeated freeze-thaw cycles have occured or uneven roof temperatures exist, an ice dam may form at the bottom of the roof or atop the gutters. Melted snow can back up behind this ice dam and penetrate roofing materials, causing leaks that require prompt treatment. Melt socks are one ice dam relief option.

Snow rake or push broom
Commercially-available melt socks or nylon stockings
De-icing compound
Ladder, if needed

Instructions

- 1
  Remove as much snow as possible from the top of the ice dam along the roof's edge and, if you can, from a few feet above the ice dam. Use a roof rake, which is specifically designed for this task, or a push broom.
- 2
  Fill the melt sock or nylon stocking with a suitable de-icer. Some de-icing compounds can corrode or discolor certain roofing materials that they come into contact with. Avoid using traditional rock salt -- sodium chloride -- and instead use a compound labelled as safe for roofs, or a less damaging chemical de-icer such as calcium magnesium acetate.
- 3
  Place the ice melt socks across the ice dam. Make sure that the sock extends beyond the roof edge to create a clear drainage channel. Concentrate socks in areas near where leaks exist or are most likely to occur. If a ladder is needed to place the socks along the roof edge, make sure the ladder is firmly set on even ground. Use a spotter if possible.
- 4
  Check on the melt socks every few days and move or refill them as needed to maintain drainage channels across the ice dam.

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