Winter is coming, and so are the dreaded ice dams on your roof. You may have heard that roof melt products can help eliminate these frozen hazards, but are they safe for your shingles?
The answer is not so simple. Depending on the type of roof melt product, the type of shingles, and how you apply it, you may end up causing more harm than good to your roof.
This article will explain how to choose and use roof melt products safely and what to avoid at all costs.
Is Roof Melt Safe for Roof Shingles?
If you want to prevent ice dam formation on your roof, choose a roof melt product that is safe for your shingles. Rock salt can damage your roof and corrode the metal, and only melt ice at temperatures above 20 degrees, so using a calcium chloride-based product is better.
However, you also need to consider the type of shingles you have, the amount and method of application, and the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
Some roof melt products may not be compatible with certain shingles or may void the warranty if used improperly. If you are unsure what product to use, consult a roofing professional.
The Perfect Ice Melts for Asphalt Shingles
If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, what kind of ice melt product is safe and effective for them? Asphalt shingles are the most common and durable roofing material, but some ice-melt chemicals can still damage them.
Why Calcium Chloride?
Calcium chloride is a fast acting ice melt that works even at low temperatures. It lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice from forming on your roof. It also breaks down the existing ice dams, which are thick layers of ice that can cause leaks or structural damage to your roof.
Calcium chloride is the best ice melt as it is gentle on asphalt shingles, unlike other ice melt products that contain rock salt, sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride. These products can cause your shingles’ discoloration, corrosion, or cracking and may void your warranty.
Calcium chloride does not have these negative effects if you use it in moderation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Calcium chloride is also pet safe ice melt. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, unlike other ice melt products that can harm the environment. A child safe ice melt like calcium chloride guarantees environmental safety.
How to Use Calcium Chloride?
Apply the ice melt products in solid or liquid form, depending on your chosen product. You can apply the ice melt products on your roof with pellets, tablets, pucks, or liquid sprays.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended amount of product for your roof size and condition. Do not use too much product or apply it too frequently, as it can damage your roof or void your warranty.
Distribute the product evenly and avoid piling it up in one spot. You can also use a nylon stocking filled with ice melt product and place it across the ice dam to create a water drain channel.
Keep the remaining ice melt safe in a cool dry place away from children and pets.
Pros and Cons of Using Roof Melts on Shingles
Roof melts can be a convenient and cost-effective way to prevent ice dams on your roof, but they also have some drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of using roof melts on shingles:
Pros:
- Roof melts prevent ice from accumulating on your roof, which can cause leaks or structural damage.
- Roof melts reduce the risk of falling icicles or snow patches, which can injure or damage your property.
- Roof melts are easy to apply and do not require any professional tools or skills.
- Roof melts are compatible with most shingles, especially asphalt and metal.
Cons:
- Using the wrong type or amount of roof melt can damage your shingles or void your warranty.
- Some roof melts can harm your plants, pets, or local water supplies.
- Depending on the weather conditions and your product, you may need to apply roof melts often.
- Some types, such as wood or rubber, may not be suitable for some roof melt products.
How Long does it Take for Roof Melt to Work?
If you are using roof melt products to get rid of ice dams on your roof, you may wonder how long it takes them to work.
The answer is not so simple, as it depends on several factors, such as the type of product, the thickness and type of ice, the ambient temperature, the composition of the melt, the application method and quantity, and the type of roofing material.
Type of Roof Melt Product
Different types of roof melt products are available in the market, such as pellets, tablets, liquid sprays, or heated cables. Each of these products has a different melting speed and effectiveness.
Pellets
Pellets are solid granules of ice-melt chemicals that you can toss or spread on your roof. They will dissolve slowly and melt the ice around them.
They are usually quick to work and may start melting ice within minutes to an hour. An example of a pellet product is [Blue Heat Snow and Ice Melter], which contains calcium chloride and a blue dye to indicate where it has been applied.
Tablets
Tablets or pucks are solid discs or blocks of ice-melt chemicals that you can place on your roof. They will dissolve slowly and melt the ice around them.
They are usually slow to work and may take several hours to start melting ice. An example of a tablet product is [Roof Melt by KMI], which contains calcium chloride and a brown dye to indicate where it has been applied.
Liquid sprays
Liquid sprays are liquid solutions of ice melt chemicals that you can spray on your roof using a hose or sprayer. They will act quickly and melt the ice on contact.
They are usually fast to work and may start melting ice almost instantly. An example of a liquid spray product is [Liquid Heat], which contains propylene glycol and a green dye to indicate where it has been applied.
Heated cables:
These are electric wires you can install along the edges of your roof. They will heat up and melt the ice as it forms. They are usually effective at work, but they require installation and electricity.
An example of a heated cable product is [Easy Heat ADKS Roof De-Icing Cable], which contains a self-regulating heating element and a black coating to blend with your roof.
Thickness and Type of Ice
The thickness and type of ice on your roof also affect how long it takes for roof melt products to work. Thicker layers of ice will take longer to melt than thinner layers.
Similarly, different types of ice may have different melting points and resistances to roof melt products.
Thicker layers:
If you have a thick layer of ice on your roof, such as an ice dam, roof melt products will take longer than if you have a thin layer of frost or snow.
You may need to use more product or apply it more frequently to melt the thick layer of ice.
Different types of ice:
Different types of ice may form on your roof, such as clear ice, white ice, or black ice. Clear ice is transparent and hard, forming when water freezes quickly without air bubbles.
White ice is opaque and soft, forming when snow compacts, melts, and refreezes with air bubbles. Black ice is transparent and slippery, forming when water freezes on a dark surface without air bubbles.
Clear ice has the highest melting point and resistance to roof melt products, followed by white and black ice.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature is the temperature of the air around your roof. It affects how long it takes for roof melt products to work by influencing the freezing point of water and the evaporation rate.
Chilly weather:
The colder it is, the slower the roof melt products will work. This is because water will freeze at a higher temperature and evaporate at a lower rate when cold.
You may need to use more product or apply it more frequently to lower the water’s freezing point and increase the evaporation rate.
Warm weather:
The warmer it is, the faster the roof melt products will work. This is because water will freeze at a lower temperature and evaporate at a higher rate when warm.
Use less product or apply it less frequently to lower the water’s freezing point and increase the evaporation rate.
Composition of the Melt
The composition of the melt is the chemical formula or ingredients of the roof melt product. It affects how long it takes roof melt products to work by influencing their melting power and environmental impact.
Calcium chloride:
One of the most common and effective ingredients in roof melt products. It has a high melting power, meaning that it can significantly lower water’s freezing point and work even at low temperatures.
It is also eco-friendly and safe for plants, pets, and local water supplies. However, it can also damage your roof or corrode the metal if used excessively or improperly.
Eco-friendly options:
These roof melt products contain natural or organic ingredients, such as propylene glycol, glycerol, beet juice, or corn syrup.
They have a low melting power, meaning they can slightly lower the water’s freezing point and work only at moderate temperatures. They are biodegradable and non-toxic, meaning they won’t harm the environment or your health.
However, they can also be less effective or more expensive than other roof melt products.
Application Method and Quantity
The application method and quantity are how you apply the roof melt product on your roof and how much you use. They affect how long it takes for roof melt products to work by influencing their coverage and concentration.
Even distribution:
Apply the roof melt product evenly and avoid piling it up on one spot. This will ensure that the product covers and melts the entire ice area uniformly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended amount of product for your roof size and condition.
Uneven distribution:
Avoid applying the roof melt product unevenly or excessively on one spot. This will cause the product to waste or run off the area of ice and melt it unevenly.
You may also damage your roof or void your warranty if you use too much product or apply it incorrectly.
Type of Roofing Material
The type of roofing material is the material that your roof is made of, such as asphalt, metal, wood, slate, or rubber.
It affects how long it takes for roof melt products to work by influencing their compatibility and durability.
Asphalt:
This is one of the most common and durable roofing materials compatible with most roof melt products. However, it can still be damaged by some chemicals, such as rock salt, sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride.
These chemicals can cause your asphalt shingles’ discoloration, corrosion, or cracking. Avoid these chemicals and use calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or urea instead.
Metal:
This is one of the most resistant and versatile roofing materials, and it can handle almost any roof melt product. However, it can also corrode or rust if exposed to some chemicals, such as rock salt, sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride.
These chemicals can damage the metal and cause leaks or stains on your roof. Avoid these chemicals and use calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or urea instead.
Wood:
This is one of the most delicate and vulnerable roofing materials, requiring special care when using roof melt products.
Any salt or chloride-based chemical, such as rock salt, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or potassium chloride, can damage it.
These chemicals can damage the wood and cause rotting or warping of your wood shingles. Avoid these chemicals and use propylene glycol, glycerol, beet juice, or corn syrup.
Slate:
This is one of the most expensive and elegant roofing materials and can withstand most roof melt products. However, it can also crack or split if exposed to extreme temperature changes or excessive amounts of chemicals.
Avoid using too much product or applying it too frequently on your slate shingles. You should also avoid using rock salt, sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride, as they can cause discoloration or corrosion of your slate shingles. You should use calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or urea instead.
Rubber:
This is one of the most innovative and diverse roofing materials, and it has different characteristics depending on the material and composition.
Some rubber roofing materials are more resistant to roof melt products than others, so you must check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations before using any product on your rubber shingles.
Alternative Methods of Removing Ice Dams from Shingles
1. Roof Rake
A roof rake is a tool that has a long handle and a blade that can scrape off the snow from your roof. It is a gentle and easy way to remove the snow that causes ice dams, as long as you use it carefully and avoid damaging your shingles.
Stand on the ground or a ladder, and extend the handle of the roof rake to reach the edge of your roof.Pull the blade of the roof rake along the lower part of your roof and remove the snow in small sections.
Start from the edge of your roof and work your way up, leaving about 6 inches of snow on your roof to protect your shingles. Repeat until you have cleared the snow from the area where ice dams form.
2. Ice Melt Products
Ice melt products are chemicals that can lower the freezing point of water and melt the ice on your roof. They are effective and fast ways to remove ice dams, but you must choose the right products and apply them correctly to avoid damaging your shingles.
3. Heated Cables
Heated cables are electric wires that can heat up and melt the ice on your roof. They are effective and preventive ways to remove ice dams but require installation and electricity.
Choose self-regulating heated cables with a coating that blends with your roof color. Avoid heated cables that are too hot or cold, as they can damage your shingles or create more ice.
Install the heated cables along the edge of your roof, following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. You may need to hire a professional electrician to do this job for you.
Turn on the heated cables before the snow falls and turn them off when the snow stops. Do not always leave them on, as they can waste energy and overheat your roof.
Conclusion
Navigating the icy challenges of winter roofing doesn’t have to be a slippery slope. If used with care and understanding, roof melt products can be a homeowner’s ally against damaging ice dams.
It’s not just about what you use but how you use it. Remember, the right melt, proper shingle selection, and precise application can make all the difference.
Still uncertain? Consult a professional to ensure your roof’s safety. The power to protect your home this winter is in your hands. Explore, choose wisely, and let your roof stand tall, free from the icy clutches of winter’s wrath!