How to Prevent Icing on a Roof

If you live in a snowy climate, snow is bound to build up on your roof at times. Small amounts of snow are usually harmless, but when this snow turns into ice, it can become an ice dam. Ice dams form on the roof edge, block draining water and back up water into your home, often leaking through your walls and the ceiling. Prevent the ice buildup on your roof to stop ice dams before they start.

Broom or shovel
Ladder
Insulation, sealant and ventilation materials
Panty hose
Calcium chloride snow melt

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all snow buildup as it occurs with a broom or shovel. Place a ladder against your home and move it around to all sides of your home and inspect for snow buildup. When shoveling or sweeping the snow, push it down to the ground.
- 2
  Add more insulation in your attic. Seal cracks and holes between the house and attic where warm air can flow into the attic; this warm air is what often causes the roof to ice. Another option is to increase the roof ventilation to keep the roof temperature consistent.
- 3
  Fill the leg of a pair of panty hose with calcium chloride snow melt. Set the panty hose on the roof so it sits parallel and hangs over the gutter. Let it sit until the ice completely melts. Take the panty hose off the roof after the ice melts, but return the snow melt-filled panty hose to the roof anytime you see ice forming.

The Best Techniques to Shovel Snow

Uses for a Snow Shovel

Snow Removal