WHAT IS AN "ICE DAM" & HOW DO I FIX IT.

May 18

Winters can be stressful for your home's exterior. A more serious problem can occur when freezing temperatures collide with melting snow at your roof's edge. An ice dam can cause major damage to your roof and to the facade of your home. It is also dangerous for everything below the roof edge.

HOW ICE DAMS DO YOU FORM

A ridge of ice dam forms on the edge of your roof and the snow that has been melting throughout the day is trapped there. Ice dams are caused by melting snow refreezing at the roof's edge, where there is very little insulation. A dangerous situation can develop when this happens in conjunction with a gutter that isn’t able to drain due to the same freezing issues.

If the roof decking is not properly sealed, the water ice can spread back into your home. Ice dams can form on any part of a roof with no gutters. There are many ways to remove ice from your roof, but you must do all that you can to prevent it from ever happening.

SHORT TERM RELIEF

If you have already created ice dams you will need to melt the ice and allow the snow and moisture to drain off your roof. You can safely remove small pieces of ice by using a blunt item to break them up. This is difficult and tedious work, which must be done safely to avoid further damage to your home. It is possible to melt the ice using calcium chloride or ice-melting agents. If you have the ability to reach your gutters, make sure you clean them and your downspouts. Water will flow away from your residence if it isn't blocked.

HOW TO PREVENT THE ICE DAMS

Proper insulation combined with better venting in the attic, eaves, and attic is the only way to avoid ice dams on your roof. The first step is to make sure heat from your home's living areas is not leaking below the roof sheathing. By installing proper insulation above and around your living space, heat will not condense or convection through the ceiling. Ventilate between insulation layers and roof sheathing to ensure heat doesn't escape. Your gutters could be the source of ice dams. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure they drain properly.