How to Repair a Roof Ice Dam

Ice dams can cause water to leak into houses.

An ice dam forms when snow and ice collect at the edge of a roof and prevent water from running off. Ice dams can cause water to back up underneath shingles and leak into the house. The leak can damage insulation, ceilings, walls and other areas. Preventing an ice dam usually involves adding extra insulation and ventilation in the attic. But in winter, once an ice dam has formed, it becomes important to get rid of it before any structural damage can occur.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Panty hose
• Calcium chloride ice-melt granules
• Rake

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Instructions

1. Cut off the leg section of an old pair of panty hose, using scissors.

2. Fill the panty hose leg with calcium chloride ice-melt granules.

3. Place the panty hose on top of the ice dam, perpendicular to the gutter or edge of the roof. The end of the panty hose should overhang the gutter or roof edge. If necessary, use a rake or broom to push the panty hose into the proper position.

4. Repeat the filling and placement of panty hose every 2 feet along a roof ice dam to allow for sufficient water drainage paths off the roof.

References

• This Old House: Quick Ice Dam Cure
• University of Minnesota Extension: Ice Dam Prevention