Salting A Roof

Snow and ice buildup on roofs can create major problems for homeowners. As the frozen water touching the roof melts, it can become trapped by the layers above, creating an ice dam. This trapped water can seep through shingles and damage the roof and ceilings below. Placing salt and other deicers on a roof is a debated practice; salt and some deicers damage roof shingles and surrounding fixtures -- such as gutters -- and the runoff can affect surrounding plants and grass. However, deicing the roof is the best option for homeowners facing resulting damage if they do not.

Old nylon pantyhose
Scissors
Melting salt or roof deicer
Ladder
Large rug or mat
Snow rake or broom

Instructions

- 1
  Cut pantyhose legs off with scissors, trimming the nylon at thigh level to make long tubes.
- 2
  Pour or scoop the salt or de-icer into the pantyhose legs. Fill to the desired level, leaving at least several inches at the top unfilled. Tie off the top of the pantyhose to seal the salt or deicer in the nylons.
- 3
  Position the ladder against the house so that it does not wobble or slip on ice or snow; if necessary, place a rug or mat beneath it to provide a safer gripping surface.
- 4
  Remove as much snow as possible from the affected area of the roof with a snow rake or broom; this should be somewhat easy if the snow is light and has not crusted over.
- 5
  Climb the ladder carefully and position yourself near the ice dam. Place a salt or deicer-filled nylon across the ice; it will need to run across the ice dam and down toward the lower edge of the roof to create a water channel as the ice melts. Place several of these across the affected area.

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Roof Repairs