After snowfall and cold temperatures, be cautious of ice dams forming. Fluctuating temperatures and sunshine cause the perfect conditions for an ice dam on the roof.
Ice dams are a buildup of ice and snow on a roof, often on the lower portion and extend over the edge and gutters. Snow on the roof melts and freezes creating an ice dam. An issue occurs when the melting snow is trapped and cannot be released from the roof. It can penetrate through the shingles and create water damage on the interior of the home.
If it is safe to do so, keep your roof clear after a snowfall. Utilizing a roof rake to eliminate snow buildups is a way of preventing ice dams from occurring. Be cautious because snow can come down quickly and is quite heavy. It is also a good step to keep gutters clear of debris as it can impede runoff when snow melts. Removing the snow is the best way to prevent a dangerous and harmful ice dam.
Ice dams can occur from direct sunlight, or heat coming from inside the home. If the attic or space below the roof is creating too much heat, it can often be resolved with a few fixes. The first step is to improve the insulation. This can be done by fixing holes or gaps in the insulation or replacing it with a higher value. This keeps the home warmer and the attic space cooler. Ventilating the space can also help if too much warm air is hitting the roof from underneath.
If an ice dam has formed, there are a few ways to fix it. Most of the issues with ice dams come from the ice buildup. If possible, chip away the ice buildup or search for a local company to help with the removal of an ice dam. Another solution is to create a channel for the snow to melt with an ice melt product. The melting snow needs a path to escape off the roof. Often this can be difficult, with frozen and snowy roofs being too dangerous to access. You also must be careful that the ice melt product does not damage or stain the roofing material. As always, exercise caution and keep yourself safe. Never put yourself in a situation that could put you in harm’s way.
