How You Can De-ice Your Roof: Tips from a Top Denver Roofer

Tuesday, 03 January 2023 22:13

Winter weather can be tough on your roof, especially in Denver and the surrounding areas where snow and ice are common. While snow-capped roofs might provide a pleasing aesthetic right after a storm, you need to think twice about letting it sit for too long. Heavy snow and ice dams can damage your roof, which means you'll need storm damage repairs. That's why it's smart to de-ice your roof after a recent storm and our Denver roofers are here to help you do it safely.

Let our roofers show you the impacts of ice on roofs and how to protect your home from its harm.

Experienced Denver Roofers Share Tips for De-Icing Your Roof

De-icing your roof is an important part of keeping it in good condition and protecting it from damage. Here is some information and a few tips on how to properly de-ice your roof safely and effectively.

What is an Ice Dam and Why are They Bad for Roofs?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow and water from draining through the gutters. Icicles will often form because of ice dams, which can pose serious hazards when walking around your property.

These ice blockages can cause serious damage to your roof, as the water that accumulates behind them can seep into your home and cause water damage. This is because the water will sit and seep into any openings or weaknesses that it can find.

Ice dams can also cause shingles and gutters to become loose or even detach from the roof entirely. It's wise to de-ice your roof and break up ice dams during winter to prevent this kind of damage. But, how can you safely go about doing this?

How to Get Rid of Ice on Your Roof

As top-notch Denver roofers, we have been dealing with roofing issues for decades and have years of experience dealing with Colorado’s snow and ice. If you’re concerned about ice forming on your roofing system, just follow our tips:

  • Utilize a Snow Rake – This tool looks like a long-handled shovel and allows you to safely remove snow and ice from the edge of your roof without climbing on top of your home. Keep in mind that you'll have to act fast with a snow rake; this tool works best directly after a big snowfall and before ice has a chance to form. Just remember to work from the edges of your roof up and don’t use this product while on a ladder.
  • Leverage Ice Melting Products – There are plenty of chemical products you can pick up at your local hardware store that can break down the ice. It's a great way to remove ice without putting in hard work. Just layer the chemicals over the area and wait for the ice to melt! However, it’s important to use the right kind of ice melting products. Some can be corrosive and may damage your roofing materials, so make sure you read the user instructions carefully before buying an ice melt product.
  • Spray With Warm Water – This method will only get you so far, especially in cold weather, so we only recommend it for minor ice buildups. Fill a spray bottle with warm or hot water and spray it onto the ice. This will help melt the ice quickly, but it is not the most effective solution for large ice dams.

These are generally good ideas to eliminate most ice buildups on your roof. However, be careful not to scrape your roof too hard while using any of our suggestions, as this could damage the area.

If you don't feel comfortable removing ice dams on your own, don't worry! You can trust many Denver roofers to lend a helping hand when you need ice or snow removal on your roof.

Did Ice Damage Your Roof? Get It Repaired with Ethos

If you’ve noticed that your roof is damaged due to ice or snow, you'll want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Ethos Roofing & Restoration has been one of the leading Denver roofers for decades thanks to our unmatched craftsmanship, top-rated warranties, and high-quality service. Our team of experienced professionals can help you assess the damage and provide you with the best solutions for repairing or restoring your roof. We can also provide insightful recommendations to help prevent ice dams in the future.

Get a FREE inspection from our experts at Ethos today to find any ice dams and repair your roof damage.