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Why You Shouldn’t Use Ice Melting Pucks on Your Roof

By February 8, 2017February 21st, 2023Winter

When temperatures drop, ice dams can become a serious problem for homeowners. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents water from draining off the roof. The water backs up behind the dam and can eventually leak into your home. There are a lot of ways to clear out ice dams and one of the most popular ways is to use ice melting pucks.

Ice melting pucks are designed to be thrown onto your roof and are used to melt ice in hard-to-reach places. Although they can be extremely useful, there are many downsides that you should consider before using them. Many homeowners have discovered that ice pucks can discolor and corrode your roof, ruin your landscape and even harm the environment. Not to mention, they only melt around themselves, instead of creating a wide path for water to escape. Here are a few alternatives to use when an ice dam forms:

  • A roof rake.
  • Ice melting heat cables.
  • Extra insulation in your attic.
  • Ice metal panels.
  • Hire a contractor to break ice dams.