What do experts say about clearing snow and ice from roofs?

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By Jason Overholt

Something we usually see in winter is appearing all over this week, and Janet Carey has a Good Question: “What do experts say about clearing snow and ice from your roof?”

When heavy snow falls, it piles up on roofs, and that can lead to icicles. They form because heat is escaping through the roof. We called around to several roofing experts and they recommend not touching the icicles. The reason is they are a dangerous, sharp objects that can injure.

The problem is if you have an icicle forming over a doorway, it has to be removed. Experts say you can knock them down, just make sure you're not standing underneath them.

If you anticipate the icicles being a problem regularly over a doorway, one expert said to knock them down daily before they become too big.

Another proactive option to prevent icicles is using a snow rake. Remove snow from your roof several feet beyond the gutters.

You can also add more insulation inside your home.

Another option to prevent icicles and ice dams is buying calcium chloride and spreading it along the edge of your roof. That melts the ice. You can usually find the product at a home improvement store. But experts say do not get up on your roof. That's extremely dangerous in these snowy conditions.

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