Ice melt pellets for ice dams

[Fanatical Meat]

I need to vent my roof better, the problem started after we insulated the attic. I have some ice up there now because I wasn't able to rake the snow off.
Has anyone used those pellets that make channels for the water to drain? I've read they can stain or damage the shingles is this true? Weather will be warm starting on Friday.

Thanks

 

[cbrunny]

You mean salt? You want to salt your roof?

 

[Fanatical Meat]

More or less, they make special tablets to toss up there

 

[Thump553]

I've used it. The best way is to take an old nylon stocking, fill the leg about 12-18 inches,, tie it off and lay it perpendicular to the gutter. Google "ice melt pantyhose gutter" and you will turn a couple of videos.

Worked fine for me.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Ugh, I had ice damn every year until I insulated the attic, all perforated soffits, and proper vents in each bay.

I used the rake, which is no fun, and I used the nylons full salt. Gotta be careful as the salt can dry out the shingles.

I've never used the green tabs.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

It was pretty warm today the ice is much more manageable now. Tomorrow should be warm too. I'll break out the rake and see what I can do.
I got to get serious about better venting and maybe some heated gutters.

 

[ch33zw1z]

How do you vent?

 

[ch33zw1z]

I had a thread about it, probably can search on it

 

[Fanatical Meat]

I had a thread about it, probably can search on it

Cool thanks, I just have regular side vents and a roof ridge vent.
Problem is the stove vents into the attic, this melts the snow and now that the house is super insulated now heat escapes to continue the melting.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Got the full perforated soffit and proper vents?

 

[Fanatical Meat]

No soffit vents, I was thinking something like this I saw at HD. Basically a heat guide to help move heat to the ridge vent and give space they fit between the rafters. This would require venting the soffits obviously, I'm moderately comfortable doing that but I have some skilled friends/family to call in for back up.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Those are the proper vents, throw in the perforated soffit and you'll will see a big difference.

Hot air escapes ridge vent, Cool air will flow in and keep the plywood at a lower temp. You basically want the snow to melt from the top down , instead of bottom up.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

The HD ones I saw had a flexible bottom so it was all one piece, I think you could even stick two together to extend them up to the ridge vent. I can't remember who made them but I'm probably over thinking it.
Thanks Wiz

 

[ch33zw1z]

Np, pay it forward, a guy on here helped with mine