Rock salt is typically used for melting ice on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. Rock salt has some properties that can damage cars, lawns, and roofs. You should NOT use rock salt to help melt ice dams or snow on a roof. The chemicals that are used to melt the snow and prevent ice from forming can corrode different elements of your home. Here are some of the dangers of using ice-melting salt on your roof.
The Dangers Of Using Salt On Your Roof
The corrosive nature of rock salt can bring long-term damage to the roof and other parts of the home. You should avoid all melting salts because they can reduce the lifespan of your roofing materials. There are reasons you should avoid rock salt around your home which are shared below.
Rusts Nail Heads
While the rock salt may not damage your shingles it can rust nails that are used to hold your shingles down. Nails are important to the security of a home and rust can cause them to break easily. Rust also causes unsightly stains on your roof. The discoloration of rust can cause streaks or blotches on your roof in addition to loose or damaged roofing materials.
Damage To Plants
Even if the salt begins to melt, the chemicals will linger in the melted water. As the salt melts and the water runs through the gutters it could damage your plants, lawn, or garden veggies. These chemicals can linger even after the snow has started to melt from your roof, even if you use them on your driveway or walkway. This is always a risk when using rock deicers around your grass.
Inefficient At Melting Ice Dams
The amount of ice and snow that comes with ice dams is nothing that rock salt can handle. Salt for driveways works to raise the temperature of the concrete and prevent further ice from forming, but it can not raise the temperature enough to remove an ice dam from a roof. There are other methods that are better suited for safely removing ice and snow from a residential roof.
Other Methods To Remove Ice Dams
Since rock salt isn’t an option, what can you use to help remove snow blocks or ice dams? Here are some additional methods that have been approved for use on residential roofs.
- Roof Rake: The easiest and safest method to remove snow from a roof is a roof rake. These tools are designed to be used from the ground and clear off snow in large chunks. Rakes reduce the likelihood of injury and have specially designed blades to prevent damage to roofing materials.
- Calcium Chloride Ice Melt: Calcium chloride is a less harsh chemical that can be used for de-icing roofs. It melts at a lower temperature so it reduces staining or chemical damage to your gutters. Calcium chloride can be placed in mesh bags and placed in problem areas. This allows the ice to melt without direct contact with your roof.
- Heated Cables: Modern roofs can be installed with heated cables to help prevent ice dams. These cables gently warm the surface and allow the snow to run off naturally into your gutters. While this is the most expensive option, it will pay for itself by keeping ice at bay in colder climates.
- Professional Ice Dam Removal: Once you have an ice dam, you may have to have it professionally handled to save your roof from damage. Roofers have special equipment that can help break up the ice dams without damaging your shingles or tiles. Regions with frequent snow and cold temperatures may need more frequent professional help.
Additional Winter Roof Tips
Places with harsh climates like Idaho and Utah may need additional means to protect their homes from ice dams. One way to limit snow and ice pile-up is to add further attic insulation. Properly insulated attics minimize heat loss which causes snow to melt prematurely and refreeze at the roof edge. This is the most common cause of ice dams.
Clearing your gutters and downspouts before the winter weather hits will also prevent ice damage to a roof. Having a gutter cleaning during the fall will allow water to flow easily through the gutter system and prevent it from freezing inside the gutters.
Roofing Services From Premier Roofing And Restoration
Premier Roofing And Restoration installs new roofing materials and can replace damaged roofing materials. Our professional roofers want to help Idaho homeowners have safe and quality roofs that will protect them from the winter weather. If you have experienced damage from ice dams, our team can help replace shingles or tiles and give your home a new look. Get a free roof inspection and schedule a repair today!