How to Deice Gutters and Roof

Remove as much snow from the roof as possible using a roof rake specifically designed for the task or a push broom.

Lay deicing cables on the roof. The cables either can be placed any way along the gutter, laid in a "W" format along the length of gutter, or attached in loops to a long board with nails partially pounded in to drape the cables over. The long board should have ropes tied to it and thrown over the rooftop. For the rope and board method, hoist the board up the roof by pulling on the ropes. With this technique, the loops can be made any length to cover as much of the roof as desired but should always extend beyond the edge of the roof to allow for the creation of drainage paths.

Apply a chemical deicer, if desired, to the roof. Certain types of deicers, such as sodium chloride, should be avoided, as they can harm roofing materials. Use less-damaging chemicals such as calcium magnesium acetate or calcium chloride. Using as little deicer as possible, place lines of deicer that extend across any ice dams from above the dam to the roof edge every few feet. Alternatively, fill nylon stockings with deicer, tie off the ends and place these across the icy gutter and roof edge.

Implement long-term solutions for the icy roof and gutters. If ice is accumulating at the bottom of the roof because snow is melting from higher on the roof, running down, then refreezing, consider installing additional ceiling and attic insulation so the roof surface remains at a uniform temperature.