Snow and ice on your roof can be a big problem in winter. They can block your gutters, cause leaks, and damage your house. You need something to melt them away fast. That’s where magnesium chloride comes in.
It’s a powerful roof melt that can break down the frozen barriers and save your roof from disaster. But is it really safe and effective?
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about magnesium chloride for roofs, from its pros and cons to how to use it properly. Read on and get ready to say goodbye to snow and ice dams!
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof and prevents melting ice from draining properly. This can cause water to back up and leak into your home, causing damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems. Ice dams are a common problem in winter for heated buildings with sloped roofs.
How they form
Ice dams form when the attic space on your roof is unevenly heated. This can happen because of poor insulation or different outdoor temperatures. The heat from your house or the sun melts the snow on your roof, but the eaves are still cold.
The water runs to the eaves and freezes again, creating an ice dam. The ice dam blocks the water from draining off the roof, and it can leak into your home and damage it. Ice dams are a serious problem for sloped roofs in winter.
Is Magnesium Chloride Safe For Roofs
Magnesium chloride is a deicer that can help remove ice dams on your roof. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, making it harder for ice to form or stay frozen. You can apply magnesium chloride in different forms, depending on your needs and preferences.
Here are some options:
- Pellets ( roof melt tablets, otherwise known as ice melts) are good for targeting specific icy spots on your roof. You can toss them onto the ice dams and let them do their work.
- Flakes: These spread more evenly, offering broader coverage. You can sprinkle them over the snow and ice on your roof and watch them melt away.
- Liquid Spray: This is the quickest way to apply magnesium chloride and best for preventative measures. You can spray it on your roof before a snowstorm to prevent ice dams from forming.
Magnesium chloride is not the only deicer available, but it has some advantages over other common ice melt products. Here are some comparisons:
- Magnesium Chloride vs Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride is regular table salt and can also melt ice. However, magnesium chloride is more effective and has a lower environmental impact. It can melt ice at lower temperatures and does not harm plants or animals as much as salt.
- Magnesium Chloride vs Calcium Chloride: Calcium chloride is another powerful deicer, but it can be more corrosive and environmentally damaging. It can damage metal, concrete, and asphalt and harm plants and animals. Magnesium chloride is gentler on your roof and the environment.
- Magnesium Chloride vs Urea: Urea is a fertilizer that can melt ice. However, magnesium chloride usually wins here with its lower environmental impact and higher efficacy. Urea can pollute waterways and soil with excess nitrogen, which does not work well at very low temperatures.
So, is magnesium chloride safe for roofs? The answer is yes if you use it properly and follow the instructions. Magnesium chloride can help remove ice dams without damaging your roof or the environment. It is a winter solution that you can trust.
However, magnesium chloride is only effective if temperatures stay above 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Potassium chloride loses effectiveness below 12 degrees.
It can be frustrating to find the right ice melt tablet, as they come in multiple variations, each intended for different temperature ranges and with its own set of risk factors.
For instance, some melt snow won’t when the temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, while others will only work in extreme temperatures that are well below that threshold
Magnesium Chloride for Roofs: Pros and Cons
Magnesium chloride is a deicer that can help you deal with snow and ice on your roof. It can prevent or remove ice dams, which are thick ridges of ice that form along the edge of your roof and cause water damage.
But magnesium chloride is not perfect. It also has some drawbacks that you need to consider before using it. Here are some of the pros and cons of magnesium chloride for roofs.
Pros
Quick and Easy Ice Dam Prevention or Removal:
Magnesium chloride can melt ice and snow on roofs within minutes after application. It can save you time and money compared to manual removal or hiring professionals.
Reducing the Need for Costly Manual Removal:
Magnesium chloride can reduce the risk of injury or damage from climbing on an icy roof. You can apply it from the ground or a ladder, depending on the form you choose. You can also avoid paying high fees for professional services.
Preventing Water Damage and Mold Growth:
Magnesium chloride can prevent water from backing up and leaking into your home. This can protect your walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems from rotting, staining, and mold growth. It can also improve your indoor air quality and health.
Improving Energy Efficiency and Lifespan of Roofs:
Magnesium chloride can prevent heat loss and moisture accumulation in your attic space. This can make your home more energy-efficient and lower your energy bills. It can also extend the lifespan of your roof by preventing destructive ice buildup.
Cons
Corrosion of Metal Components:
Magnesium chloride can corrode metal components on roofs, such as nails, flashing, gutters, or vents. This can weaken the structure of your roof and cause leaks or failures.
Magnesium chloride is a salt that attracts moisture and forms an electrolyte solution that conducts electricity. This chemical reaction, known as galvanic corrosion, can cause metals to rust and deteriorate.
Potential Damage to Asphalt Shingles:
Magnesium chloride can damage asphalt shingles by dissolving the granules or weakening the adhesive. This can harm the protective layer of your roof over time and reduce its lifespan.
The continuous application and the nature of magnesium chloride can affect the quality of your shingles.
Harm to Plants, Animals, and the Environment:
Magnesium chloride can harm plants and animals by altering soil pH or causing dehydration. It is advisable to use pet safe ice melt product when removing ice dams.
It can also pollute waterways and soil with excess salt and magnesium. This can affect the ecosystem and biodiversity of your area.
Human Health Risks:
Magnesium chloride can irritate skin, eyes, or the respiratory system upon exposure or inhalation. It can cause burning, itching, redness, or coughing.
When applying magnesium chloride on your roof, wear protective gloves, goggles, and masks and avoid contact with children or pets who may ingest it accidentally.
Best Practices For Using Magnesium Chloride for Roofs:
Choose Roof-Specific Products
- Use a ice melt safe for roof that is specially designed for roofs with a corrosion inhibitor.
- This will help protect your roof’s metal components from rusting and deteriorating due to magnesium chloride.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
- Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply only the necessary amount and frequency of magnesium chloride.
- Over-application won’t increase effectiveness but could worsen the potential downsides of magnesium chloride.
Protect Metal Components on Roofs
- Coat metal components on roofs with a sealant or a barrier before applying magnesium chloride.
- This will add an extra layer of protection against potential corrosion from magnesium chloride.
Be Mindful of Asphalt Shingles
- Apply magnesium chloride only on the roof’s lower edge where ice dams form to protect asphalt shingles.
- This will focus on the application where it’s needed most and spare the rest of the roof unnecessary exposure to magnesium chloride.
Protect Plants and Animals
- Avoid runoff or contact with magnesium chloride to safeguard plants and animals.
- This will help mitigate the impact of magnesium chloride on the environment and local wildlife.
Safety First!
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling magnesium chloride.
- Personal protective equipment is necessary when dealing with chemical substances, including magnesium chloride.
Consider Alternatives
- Consider alternative methods of preventing or removing ice dams, such as improving insulation and ventilation, installing heat cables, or using a roof rake.
- While magnesium chloride is an effective tool, it’s only one piece of the ice dam prevention puzzle.
Conclusion
Winter roofing can be a challenge, but you don’t have to let ice dams ruin your day. Magnesium chloride is a deicer that can help you melt away the snow and ice on your roof.
It has some advantages over rock salt, but it also has some drawbacks that you need to be careful about. It can corrode metal, damage shingles, harm plants and animals, and irritate your skin.
You can use it effectively and safely by following some tips, such as choosing roof-specific products, following the instructions, protecting metal components and asphalt shingles, avoiding runoff, wearing safety gear, and considering alternatives.