I originally had planned to write this blog in January when ice dams usually seem to peak. Unfortunately, typical January weather has hit us a little early this year. Between the wet snow fall and plummeting temps, ice dams are already making their appearance around the Twin Cities. Keep your head up Minneapolis, we got this! there is so much truth to ‘Minnesota Strong!’
So far, this is the most effective method we have found for removing ice dams. *That is as long as you can safely reach your roof with a roof rake WITHOUT getting on a tall ladder. Whatever you do please stay off your roof. That means NO snow blowers on your roof! It truly alarms me how many homeowners have actually attempted this! I didn’t even believe it until I saw actual footage of someone doing it! Crazy!
Last winter, my brother-n-law had been trying to remove ice dams on his roof using the ice dam remover pucks with no success. They were more of a pain than anything because after a couple of days they would slide right off the ice/roof and onto the ground without even accomplishing much melting.
He had been admiring how perfectly clean his neighbors driveway and roof were (if you live in the Minneapolis area you understand how rare a ‘clean’ driveway is right now!) so he finally asked him what he used. His neighbor said he had tried it all and that Sodium Chloride works the best. Not only does it seem to be more effective than other snow salt on the market, it is far less evasive on your roof, cement and asphalt. The technique is a little different than I ever would of thought of myself but super effective! The brilliant technique is called ‘The Sock Method’. Watch this youtube video we found:
How easy is that?! You can google ‘sock method for thawing ice dams’ and a ton of videos and info will pop up. Some use Nylons some use basic white tube socks (which is what my brother-n-law used).
Needless to say, I will be keeping a couple bags of sodium chloride handy every winter from now on! Prevention of ice dams is KEY to avoiding a potential water damage in your home or business.
If your home or business is experiencing water damage due to a ice dam or any other source, Call 24Restore! Our highly trained team is here to help 24 hours a day! NO job is too big or too small, and we are the only call you have to make.
~ the people ~ the equipment ~ the expertise ~