Looking for roof ice dam solutions.

[Sundancefisher]

I have a low slope roof with skylight. Snow melted off skylight and froze down slope. Enough ice built up to cause some moisture to get in.

What solutions are out there?

I am thinking heated element on roof and affected gutter.

Thoughts?

Any recommendations based upon personal experience?

[Fisherpeak]

Thinking the same here. I heard about that element you can put along the roof at the edge. If anybody knows about that it would sure be nice for next winter. Lots of snow here in Kimberley. Shingle roof so I don`t like walking around on it in winter.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by Fisherpeak

Thinking the same here. I heard about that element you can put along the roof at the edge. If anybody knows about that it would sure be nice for next winter. Lots of snow here in Kimberley. Shingle roof so I don`t like walking around on it in winter.

Ditto. Had to do it but worry about them cracking in the cold.

[Sundancefisher]

I am thinking if one had a portable steamer you could work it off from time to time versus a heater element.

Still google is not my friend on this.

[Peterupnorth]

Many of us went through this, some with plain bubble type skylights and some of us had double pane high quality, etc.
For many reasons the heat tape idea never worked. Main problem with those windows is the trapped heat from snow cover. Seemed best solution was to clear off the snow using a roof rake....everytime it snowed.
It's not worth the risk of rotting structural wood.
Removed the windows several years ago and glad I did.

[Sundancefisher]

There is this.
https://www.rona.ca/en/roof-deicing-...SABEgK9mvD_BwE

[Sundancefisher]

Would these damage asphalt shingles?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Roofmelt...M-65/202536089


https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.r...000820615.html

[Sundancefisher]

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.6...000171306.html

[dodgeboy1979]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Would these damage asphalt shingles?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Roofmelt...M-65/202536089


https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.r...000820615.html

I don't think the salt would harm your shingles however it may rust our your eaves trough and likely kill the lawn where ever it melts to

[dodger]

I believe you need to get the snow off and expose the ice. I know some guys who then used heat guns to melt the ice. I have the same issue in a low pitch valley. I have a short ladder and I use a broom to remove snow several times a year.

Dodger.

[urban rednek]

Go with the Easy Heat Electric Roof De-Icing Cable, it works. Lay it out so you have coverage on your shingles, then run it in the eavestrough and down the downspout. It is a constant wattage cable, so make sure the cable does not overlap/touch. It is really handy if you already have a switched receptacle in your eaves.

[mmhmmmm]

If you want to permanently install you will want to buy a new kit from HD or any other building store. Should be available in lengths from 30’ 60’ 100’. If I recall correctly. They work fairly well, however water in winter is a pain as well. Cable will need to run all the way down trough and out downspout. Sometimes in my experience, 1 cable can still have icing problems on extreme cold. But will still help.

I recommend tighter pattern for cabling then they recommend. They really only melt approx 3/4 wide path.

The kits come with some metal clips that are designed to mount under the loose part of exciting shingles. But since it’s frozen that’s nearly impossible. But can thaw with the cabling or other methods and then try your luck.


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[Fish along]

Ice melt won't hurt the shingles. It's not going to rust the eavetrough out any time soon .plus the spring rain will wash away any salt. Another thing to consider is raising the skylight up a few inches, this will decrease chances of water getting in.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by dodger

I believe you need to get the snow off and expose the ice. I know some guys who then used heat guns to melt the ice. I have the same issue in a low pitch valley. I have a short ladder and I use a broom to remove snow several times a year.

Dodger.

Snow is off. Did that Sunday. Looks like a bit of sublimation has occurred. Hopefully enough goes before it gets warm again.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by mmhmmmm

If you want to permanently install you will want to buy a new kit from HD or any other building store. Should be available in lengths from 30’ 60’ 100’. If I recall correctly. They work fairly well, however water in winter is a pain as well. Cable will need to run all the way down trough and out downspout. Sometimes in my experience, 1 cable can still have icing problems on extreme cold. But will still help.

I recommend tighter pattern for cabling then they recommend. They really only melt approx 3/4 wide path.

The kits come with some metal clips that are designed to mount under the loose part of exciting shingles. But since it’s frozen that’s nearly impossible. But can thaw with the cabling or other methods and then try your luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would only need about 10 feet by 4 feet to cover the roof surface area effectively. The eves likely 30 feet.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by Fish along

Ice melt won't hurt the shingles. It's not going to rust the eavetrough out any time soon .plus the spring rain will wash away any salt. Another thing to consider is raising the skylight up a few inches, this will decrease chances of water getting in.

Not going to touch the skylights. To difficult to move. Already 4 inches up.

[Fisherpeak]

Who has steel Eaves? Mine are Aluminum.