James asks a timely question via the Twitter:
You guys have been very helpful with plumbers, electricians and mechanics. Ideas on good contractors for roof snow removal?
Got a suggestion for James? Please share!
Earlier on AOA:
+ A good plumber?
+ Capital Region Recommended Mechanics
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Comments
why does the snow need to be removed from the roof,exactly?
... said ike on Feb 3, 2011 at 2:27 PM | link
It's a low pitch roof that's developed ice dams because of the constant freeze/thaw/refreeze/snow/rinse/repeat weather we've had. That leads to serious leaks into the house and walls.
... said James on Feb 3, 2011 at 3:09 PM | link
Dave Mabb (daveslawncareandhauling.com) here in Saratoga cleared our driveway for us recently & told us that he's been doing a lot of roof-cleaning-off as of late. He's saved us on many occasions & is a really nice guy.
... said julie on Feb 3, 2011 at 3:12 PM | link
Go buy a snow rake for smaller jobs.
... said D on Feb 3, 2011 at 3:34 PM | link
another great trick for ice dams: fill pantyhose or a tube sock with rock salt and lay it over the edge of the roof/dam. it melts a nice little channel for the water to escape. when i first heard about this method i thought it was ridiculous but it really works.
if it's a high roofline that you can't reach, you can have some fun by attaching the sock to some rope and throwing it up there grappling hook-style.
... said v on Feb 3, 2011 at 4:33 PM | link
Never use rock salt on a roof! Use calcium chloride.
... said Mike on Feb 4, 2011 at 8:29 AM | link
oh right, i just meant the standard salt melt magic mix whatever.
... said v on Feb 4, 2011 at 1:18 PM | link
We ended up with Cousins Construction out of Schenectady. They were quick to respond, reasonable, and did a good job. Thanks for the answers!
... said James on Feb 5, 2011 at 11:02 AM | link
how much should we pay hourly for shoveling a large commercial roof?
... said k on Feb 10, 2011 at 9:52 AM | link
Good idea on the pantyhose ice dam method. Just to be clear: Magic Salt IS OK to use, right? Or is calcium chloride better? Sounds like, in general, Magic Salt is less corrosive and harsh.
... said Gabe Anderson on Feb 13, 2011 at 11:11 AM | link