Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Cookson, OK

When temperatures drop far enough, even rock salt can’t melt the ice. The briny solution freezes before it develops, and the salt doesn’t work, which happens around 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that wind chill and other factors impact ice-melting progress. Some ice melters, like magnesium chloride, work at colder temperatures and work better for deep winter freezes.

Knocking down icicles won’t help prevent ice dams, as the dams form on the bottoms of your roof slopes and not on the gutters themselves. However, removing icicles can reduce the risk of injury if they form over heavily trafficked areas, and it can help prevent permanent damage to your gutters. Just be sure to wear safety equipment and always stay on the ground while knocking them down.

It can be dangerous to remove icicles from your roof, so the best option is to treat the underlying issue instead, usually by ensuring proper insulation in your home. If you’re concerned about immediate damage, you can hire a professional to remove the icicles and the snow accumulation on your home to prevent the issue from recurring. Just make sure you use a long-term solution, too, like addressing insulation problems or installing roof heating coils on your roof.

Snowblowers come in three different sizes: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.

A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that’s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.