Ice Dam Prevention & Removal Tips by Zablocki Roofing

Properly maintaining your roof to ensure a constant flow of water can save you both time and money by taking a proactive approach to ice and snow management. Zablocki Roofing wants to equip you with the necessary knowledge to combat hazardous ice dams and snow build-up. Below are some effective methods to prevent and manage ice dams:

1. Roof Rake

One of the simplest ways to prevent ice dams is to use a roof rake to clear snow from your roof. It's recommended to remove snow from at least 6 feet up from the bottom edge of the roof.

• Advantages: Inexpensive
• Disadvantages: Does not remove ice; Labor-intensive

2. Heat Tape

Heat tape is an electrically powered product designed to generate heat and melt snow and ice. It can be installed along the roof surface, in valleys, and within gutters to prevent ice buildup.

• Advantages: Inexpensive
• Disadvantages: May be difficult to install; High risk of personal injury; Can malfunction and complicate snow removal

3. Salt Stocking

A quick DIY solution is to fill an old pair of pantyhose or stockings with melting salt and tie off the end. The stocking can be placed on the roof in valleys or gutters to help melt ice.

• Advantages: Inexpensive
• Disadvantages: Limited effectiveness; Certain salts are ineffective in extremely low temperatures or harmful to the environment; Potential risk of personal injury

4. Snow & Ice Removal Service

The most effective long-term solution is to set up a snow and ice removal account with Zablocki Roofing. As St. Cloud’s leading roofing and snow removal experts, we provide regular roof clearing services to ensure optimal water flow and prevent ice dam formation.

• Advantages: No risk of personal injury; Convenient; Prevents damage; Proven method; No need to be present during service
• Disadvantages: Cost varies depending on weather conditions

Download our FREE Ice Dam Prevention Guide!