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Removing Rooftop Ice and Snow with Salt
Between whiteout-causing blizzards, frigid polar winds, and driving freezing rain, winter can be tough on roofs in Southern Ontario. One of the most pressing problems homeowners face each year: rooftop snow and ice accumulation.
When used properly, salt can effectively get rid of rooftop snow and ice before buildups damage your home.
Is it Safe to Use Salt on Your Roof?
Provided you use the right type of salt – yes.
The key is to avoid sodium chloride (or rock salt). Rock salt contains corrosive oxidizing agents, making it best suited for removing ice on harder surfaces like concrete. You should only use it on roofs in select circumstances like severe cold. If it’s applied routinely, it can damage shingles, nails, eavestroughs, and other fittings.
Look instead for de-icers incorporating safer materials like calcium chloride or potassium chloride. If you share your home with one or more furry friends, you’ll want to find pet-safe, chloride-free products made with polypropylene and urea.
Finding the Right Salt for Your Roof
Windsor Safe-T-Salt Eco Safe Ice Melt |
Windsor/Morton Safe-T-Pet
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Windsor Ice Melter Blend with Blue Crystals |
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Safe-T-Salt is effective in temperatures as low as -15°C. It features:
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Safe-T-Pet works to -12°C.
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The Ice Melting Blend is designed to work at extremely low temperatures – down to -31°C. Blue pellets make it easy to see where it’s placed. The mix does include sodium chloride, so it should be used to deal exclusively with winter’s harshest conditions.
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Trust a Roofer to Remove Rooftop Ice and Snow
Do you know when and why you need to remove the snow from your roof? Read our blog to find out!
The general rule of thumb is if you have more than 5cm (2 inches) of ice or 70cm (2 feet) of heavy snow, it’s time to think about removing it.
Homeowners can choose to tackle this job themselves, keeping these factors in mind:
- Snow removal rakes, the tools commonly available at hardware stores, are typically suited for clearing lighter, fluffier snow instead of the problematic heavier layers.
- When pulling snow down, be extra cautious it doesn’t come down on you.
- Under no circumstances should you go onto your roof yourself during the winter. The built-up snow and ice will mean a slick, slippery roof – an unsafe environment for any homeowner.
Contacting a professional roofer is the safest and most effective option. They have the experience, tools, and training to clear snow properly without putting themselves (or their crews) at risk, ensuring the best results for you.
At Herb Lodde, we have been offering a range of winter roofing services (including snow removal) for over 50 years. Contact us today!
Serving customers in Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines, and the Niagara region.
Like this? You might also like:
- Is Your Roof Ready for Winter Weather?
- Pros and Cons of Winter Roofing
- Do I Need to Remove the Snow on My Roof?
