During the winter season, it is important to make sure that you de-ice your gutters and roofs constantly. Many homeowners know that ice is a serious roofing problem, and if it not addressed, it can cause serious damages to the roof. This can put the people and the property under the roof at serious risk. So, how do you de-ice a roof?

There are several things that you need to do before you start de-icing your roof

First, you should ensure that you know the source of the water before you start tackling the ice on your roof. The source of water can be unsealed window edges, leaks in your roof, improper ventilation, or even poor insulation in the attic.

In addition, it is essential to understand that roof ice can come in the following forms:

• Icicles
• Frozen downspouts and gutters
• Ice dams along the eaves of your roof

Second, you need to be extra careful with the methods you use to remove the ice on your roof. Some of the methods that you use can harm you or cause significant damages to your roof. This can, in turn, render your roof's warranty void. You can knock off a few icicles from your roof, but if the amount of ice on your roof is significant, make sure that you use any of the methods discussed below.  

Use a Snow Rake

Also known as a roof rake, this is a shovel used to scrape off the snow on roofs. It is not hard to use this tool, and anyone can just use it. When it starts to snow, you can rake off the snow from the eaves. In addition, you can use the roof rake to scrape off the icy crusts on your roof. If you are observant about removing the snow off your roof after a significant snowfall, using a roof rake can be a very good idea. You can get a snow rake at your nearest hardware store.

Using De-Icing Chemicals

When it comes to de-icing your roof, de-icing chemicals are very effective. All you need to do is cover the ice with a thick layer of the chemical and then give it time to melt. However, you need to be careful not to damage your roof while using the de-icing chemicals.

Some roofing experts say that the cheapest and most effective de-icing chemicals are very corrosive, and they should never be used on any roof. Always make sure that you avoid de-icing chemicals with Calcium Chloride (CaC12) or Sodium Chloride (NaC1).

For more tips, contact a local roofing contractor.