Update:
The inspector concurred with using calcium chloride on the roof. Looks very strange to have stuffed pantihose sitting up there.

The DAMN roof rake broke before I even got to use it but not before I put on a show for the neighbors - slipping on the ice with 25' of pole in my hands near three windows. I am not mechanically inclined.

Lastly, I fell on my ass in the driveway while waving to a neighbor. They must think I drink a lot. Wonder what they are making of the pantihose on the roof?

Conclusion: this house hates me. I had a long talk with it last night. I think we have come to a truce. We'll see. It's snowing again.