ICE MELT SOCKS FAQs I
A. RoofIce Deicer Melt Socks (RMS) are a new product designed to melt roof ice dams, and
stop the water from building up behind ice dams. They retail for less than $20.
They allow the ice to liquify and act as a constant liquid gutter deicer which keeps water flowing
off the roof, instead of seeping into your home. They are rated at a 75 lb. burst strength with a weave
that prevents unraveling and are designed to last for up to 10 years or more in wet, icy, weather.
They are the first "do-it-yourself "roof de-icing product that combines, gutter and drain deicing,
ice dam removal, ease of use, excellent de-icing performance, and superior corrosion
protection, with a refillable, reuseable ice sock. You don't have to go on the roof.
Just throw the ice melt sock and pull it into place. Retrieve and refill as necessary.
Q. What about the effectiveness of "ice melt socks" vs. "panty hose" or "cables.".
A. This old house recommends http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skill-builder/0,,211604,00.html
a panty hose "ice melt sock", because it works.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND panty hose, because
the materials are too fragile and the threads tear and unravel rapidly in the weather conditions.
The tiny burst strength of pantyhose material deteriorates quickly after contact with the
ice melt crystals, cold, and sunshine. Pantyhose "runs" loose ice melt quickly and shards of torn material
make ice dams worse and plug-up gutters until spring thaws.
You may also be tempted to use electrical snow-melt cables, but often these just move the ice dam
further up the roof. The cables put dozens of holes into your roof and are a maintenance nightmare!
Q. How do I use it?
A. Just remove the RMS from the pouch, attach at least 10 feet of nylon rope to the sock loop,
and fill with off the shelf , non-corrosive and non-staining EZDeicer or equal ice melt pellets .
Do not use rock salt (sodium chloride). Your goal is to make drainage paths through the ice on the
lower edge of the roof. first then move the sock higher if needed.
If possible place the sock on exposed ice, above the ice dam, about every 2-10 feet along the edge
of the roof. Throw and pull the icemelt sock to an area above the ice dam in a vertical line
down to the edge of the roof and tack in place. Alternatively, you can tack the sock in place.
Refill as necessary rather than overdoing it the first time.
Q. Is the Specified Ice Melt product harmful to my home's exterior?
A. No. Other ice melting compounds can damage the exterior of your home, plants, and the
concrete below because they do not contain corrosion protection.
Q. How will I know it is working?
A. Within minutes, you will see the ice dam melting, creating a channel for water to
safely run off the roof quickly, based on air temperature.
Q. How many will I need for my home?
A. The RMS is designed to be filled with 3 lbs of ice melt, thrown onto the roof, and drawn into
place with a throw cord. Each RMS will give you five feet of coverage so we recommend placing
one RMS every 10 feet or more for severe ice dams. If you want a larger sock that
lasts longer you can unfold our sock and stretch it out by hand to 36".
Q. What about one time use bricks, tablets, or other types of non-refillable ice socks?
A. Since a steady rainfall will dissolve all the ice melt in a typical rooftop 12 lb. ice
sock in a few hours, not only are those "other non-refillable socks" ineffective, they are pretty
much a waste of your money. Other dissolvable bricks or tearable, and non-refillable type ice socks
including "panty hose,"are not retrieveable, so they usually plug-up gutters and downspouts.
Most "other types of bags, bricks, tablets, panty hose, etc. " can make a bad situation even worse.
MORE FAQs CLICK HERE OR CALL 888-261-4726
Alternatively, you may unfold and fill the entire sock with ice melt then use the velcro strap to close the open sock end.
