From: twofivetwofivetwo@yahoo.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Beyond finger-crossing: getting through winter with old roof
Date: 14 Dec 2005 11:03:31 -0800
   posting-account=uI45kw0AAAAfuzBS7ksssdIH-hymyCYs


shinypenny wrote:
> twofivetwofivetwo@yahoo.com wrote:
> > Tube socks filled with the type of salt used to melt ice off of
> > sidewalks.
>
> Yeah, learned that one last year from this group!
>
> > I haven't done this myself but I've heard people have had some luck
> > placing them above where the ice dams have formed.  If you have metal
> > channels between peaks in your roof you can lay the salt filled socks
> > in there as well.
>
> Problem for us was that the roof is so steep, they'd slide down and
> off.
>
> > Next spring, aside from just a new roof you may want to consider
> > additional venting and insulation in your attic.  Insulation
> > contractors are notoriously shady so be carefull.  It's not exactly the
> > type of work that draws top notch people.  If you have it done make
> > sure they seal around bypasses (plumbing vents and such that extend up
> > from the lower floors through your roof).
>
> Yep, this is a part of what was quoted to us, per our request. We do
> realize this is something we need to do.
>
> > If there is no actual attic in your place and it's all finished space,
> > "dense pack" insulation can be blown in between framing members of your
> > roof. Even with all this, ice dams can still be a problem and the
> > solution is to pull the snow down off of the problem areas using a roof
> > rake.
>
> Yes... someone else suggested a roof rake. Any recommendations?
>
> jen

I've never used one and don't have a specific recommendation on brand
or type.  The one's I have seen are basically made up of a blade
mounted on a long pole angled in such a way that it allows you to pull
the snow down off the roof.

Shingles are more susceptible to damage when cold so I'd be as gental
as possible and not worry about scraping every last bit of snow off.