As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I have number across the utilization of roof melt pucks , which are contrive to mellow out ice on roof . While these pucks may seem like a commodious solution to prevent ice dams and roof damage , it is important to understand the potential risk and drawback associated with their use .
One of the main concerns with roof melt pucks is the runoff they create when the ice melts . This overflow can be harmful to your home ’s landscaping , peculiarly if the Robin Goodfellow are made from saltiness . Salt runoff can damage plants and soil , lead to dark-brown patches , stunted growth , and even demise of certain flora species . This is especially lawful for salt - sensitive plants such as evergreen Tree and bush .
The damage due to salt runoff is not limited to plants alone . It can also affect the health of your soil and its ability to substantiate industrial plant life sentence . overweening salt buildup in the soil can disrupt the balance of nutrient and hinder water system assimilation , head to poor plant growth and overall decline in the health of your garden .
moreover , the use of cap melt pucks can also have indirect aftermath . When the snow and ice on your ceiling melt rapidly due to the pucks , it can ensue in big amounts of water flow off the cap all at once . This sudden surge of water can submerge your toilet and downspouts , potentially do them to overflow or even become discredited . This can guide to water seeping into your place , causing interior damage and potentially lead to costly repairs .
In my personal experience , I have seen instances where homeowner have used ceiling disappear pucks and after regretted it due to the damage make to their landscaping . I think of a case where a householder used salt - base pucks on their cap , and the resulting runoff wipe out several evergreen plant trees and damaged the surrounding garden beds . It took considerable clock time and sweat to resurrect the affected plant and repair the wellness of the soil .
deal all these factors , it is important to weigh the benefits versus the likely risk of exposure before using roof unfreeze puck . If you decide to use them , there are a few precaution you may take to derogate the negative burden :
1 . select non - salt - free-base alternatives : attend for ceiling melt Puck that do not contain salt . There are eco - friendly option uncommitted on the market that apply alternate factor like calcium atomic number 12 acetate ( CMA ) or urea , which are less harmful to plant and the environment .
2 . Use them sparingly : Only utilize roof melt Puck when absolutely necessary , such as during severe wintertime storms . Avoid using them excessively or as a preventive measure , as this can increase the amount of overspill and likely damage to your landscape gardening .
3 . Direct runoff away from plant : come out downspout extension or airt the flow of water from your roof away from garden and plants . This can assist understate the touch between salt runoff and your landscaping , thin the jeopardy of hurt .
4 . Rinse affected area : If you detect salt buildup or damage in your garden beds or plant , rinse off the affected region with fair water to dilute the common salt and derogate its impact . This can help in extenuate the damage and help the recuperation of your plants .
While ceiling dethaw hockey puck may effectively mellow chicken feed on your cap , they come with potential risks to your home ’s landscaping . The salt - free-base pucks can harm plants and grunge , and the runoff can conduce to damage to your toilet , downspouts , and even your house ’s interior . It is crucial to cautiously consider these risks and take necessary safeguard if you choose to employ ceiling melt hockey puck .
Caroline Bates
