As the temperature rose today to about 30 degrees, I rechecked my Calcium Chloride/nylon roof stockings. Their effectiveness did improve, but they also dissolved before they could fully erode the remaining ice. Solar heat gain was a big help, even though the temperature was still below freezing. So-- to use this method, I would suggest careful sock placement so that the ice dam area that is able to melt can create the best path to allow upper roof melt to flow out and empty water from the dam. Replenished stockings may also need to be placed.

With the sun providing heat gain and the salt sock dissolving into the mix, the remaining ice had a film of water between it and the gutter. While it was still warm, I was able to pull sections of ice out of the gutter to free the roof edge. I had easy access to the gutter, but as always, exercise great care when trying to reach these roof areas in the snow and ice.