Ice Dam Salt Sock

Salt socks work on the principle that ice melting compound is contained in a linear form which when laid across an ice dam will melt a channel through the ice.

Ice dam salt sock.

The purpose of the sock is to hold the ice melting material. I also have very limited de icer. If you do this use calcium chloride not rock salt. This nylon sock can be used again and again to remove ice dams from your roof.

One method is to fill a long sock or pantyhose leg with salt and place on the roof perpendicular to the ice dam. Salt socks work on the principle that the ice melting compound is contained in a linear form which when laid across an ice dam will melt a channel through the ice. Calcium chloride is the same stuff used for melting ice on driveways and sidewalks but don t just sprinkle it on the ice dam. I have limited options to clear the ice dam.

Most ice melt socks do not include ice melt or throw cord. That path would then presumably be used as an escape route for water that may tend to get trapped behind the ice dam. That path would then presumably be used as an escape route for water that may tend to get trapped behind the ice dam. It melts ice faster than sodium chloride does works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride and also melts larger volumes of ice.

Instead fill long socks. If you are in a climate more severe than mine seek a permanent solution with heated eave panels for which you will need a roofer and electrician. Typical sock when filled weight 3 pounds and is 18 inches long ice melt sock lasts for months. I m leery of getting on a ladder to chop at the ice when i m home alone.

It is not as likely to stain or cause corrosion as sodium chloride but it can damage wooden gutters. This is based on melt of 20 40 square yards of roof snow per sock used. This method is used by ice dam removal contractors. So i made these salt socks to place on the ice dam.

Some hardware stores sell puck shaped chunks of salt designed to be thrown on the roof. Unlike the sock they just melt ice around themselves and do not create a path for water to flow down the roof. You will need to use many pucks to get the desired effect. Calcium chloride is the best salt to use on ice dams according to handyman glenn haege.

This can melt a channel in the dam to allow water to escape. If you have an occasional ice dam problem and you can easily reach the area to place the sock this sock with calcium chloride will do the job. Steam blow torch propane flame something you should not do. I do have a lot of salt for the water softener though.