Ice Dams continued...

What a ton of snow!!!  I need to get out and shovel my own roof, but after doing the driveway and deck I think I'll save that for tomorrow.

Here are a few methods that will help prevent and remove ice dams...

1.  Removing snow from the roof can help slow down ice dam growth.  On very sloped or flat roofs you may want to shovel off all the snow.  Of roofs with a greater pitch, removing 3-4 feet of snow above the roof line will slow down the growth.  A roof rake is a special tool for removing snow and can be found at any local hardware store. 

2.  Chisel grooves into the dam to allow the water behind it to drain off.  This is a good emergency measure...especially if rain or a sudden thaw is coming.  Be careful with those shingles, though!

3.  Fill an old pair of nylon stockings with an ice melt product and lay it across the ice dam.  Do not use rock salt because it will stain the roof.  

Winter in Minnesota has only just begun!