New Triplex - Roof Icicles

[Chase Farley]

Hello BP, 

We recently purchased a triplex in a cold climate. We understood that the roof will need to be replaced this summer, and it is two-stories tall. The attic entrance was drywalled shut, and so inspection of the insulation would be difficult. An additional issue, is the gutters are mostly gone from the front of the house from neglect. 

We recently received a picture that there are large icicles extending from the roof, and I am trying to figure out the most feasible and preventative way to remove the icicles and ice underneath. So far, I have informed the tenants to be careful around the entrances while I work on having them removed. 

We just received a quote from a Snow Removal Landscaping Company, and they are stating it would cost $1,440 to "rake 8 feet of snow from the roof, and throw salt down to melt the ice." This seems like an expensive amount for something that I am sure will come back during the next snowfall. Would there be better companies to contact? 

Any advice is appreciated!

Thank you, 

Chase

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Chase Farley I would spend my time and energy on the attic insulation whether the ceiling is drywalled over or not. Heat is going into the attic space and melting the snow next to the roof and causing the icicles. Lack of attic insulation is the cause.