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TOPIC: I Have An Existing Metal Roof and Have A Question

Snow won't slide any more

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We have an old (about 20 years) aluminum roof that used to always shed the snow fairly well. Over the last few years it's reached the point where the snow just creeps off very slowly and becomes a thick mass of ice hanging over our deck. It finally broke free and took out our deck railing last year when it finally came off in March. I'd much prefer it slide off regularly before it becomes such a dangerous situation. Is there something we can put on this roof to get it to shed the snow better? Thanks, Kelly
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7/15/2013
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This is kind of unusual. Normally ice dams like this are related to ventilation issues. Has anything happened or been done to the home which has lessened the attic ventilation, such as soffit vents being blocked by insulation. Other than that, the product could be repainted but I just really wonder if the change is really related to the coating or perhaps something else. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/15/2013
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Kelly, Sounds as if the roof is starting to oxidize a bit and holding the snow a bit better now. I would echo what Todd said and be sure to have the attic floor (if you have a ventilated attic) air sealed and insulated properly. As a general rule, you should not have these icing issues. Can you post up a picture of the home or how the attic is insulated? Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

7/15/2013
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Thanks for the replies. I thought I had already sent this but, I'll try again. Nothing has changed with the house other than the rood getting older. Half the house has a cathedral ceiling which means there is no attic to deal with. I think the idea of the roof oxidizing is the most logical but I don't know if there's anything we can do about it other than replacing the roof. I've heard the suggestion to spray Pam on it but unless there's a 50 gal version is doesn't seem practical. Thanks, Kelly
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7/31/2013
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Can't say that I have ever heard of it in those quantities. I would call the manufacturer to see what guidelines they can supply for washing and acceptable chemicals. A good washing may remove more of the debris than you think. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

8/2/2013
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I have the SAME issue! Snow doesn't slide off, like it did when the roof was new, and ice builds up. Very frustrating :(
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2/22/2015
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Marlene, It is just as likely that the roof requires washing. Atmospheric dirt easily interrupt the "slipperiness" of the roof. Think of kitty litter on an icy substrate. Not as slippery anymore. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

2/23/2015
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