Ice Dams: The Frozen Facts

Understanding Ice Dams and Their Impact on Your Roof

Winter can bring a picturesque blanket of snow, but it also brings potential hazards for homeowners. One such hazard is the formation of ice dams. These ridges of ice can cause significant damage to your roof and home if not addressed promptly. In this blog post, we’ll explore what ice dams are, the damage they can cause, and the importance of having them removed by experts like the team at Leak Stoppers.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts and then refreezes at the edges. This typically happens when the upper portions of your roof are warmer than the lower edges. The melted snow flows down the roof, reaches the colder eaves, and refreezes, forming a dam. As more snow melts, the water backs up behind the dam, unable to drain off the roof.

The Damage Caused by Ice Dams

Ice dams can lead to a variety of problems, both on the exterior and interior of your home:

• Roof Damage: The weight of the ice can loosen shingles and tear off gutters. Water that backs up behind the dam can seep under shingles, causing leaks.

• Water Damage: Once water penetrates the roof, it can damage insulation, walls, ceilings, and other interior areas. This can lead to stained and warped floors, sagging ceilings, and potential mold growth.

• Structural Issues: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs.

The Importance of Removing Ice Dams

Removing ice dams is crucial to prevent the extensive damage they can cause. Here are some reasons why it’s important to address ice dams promptly:

• Prevent Roof and Gutter Damage: Removing ice dams helps protect your roof and gutters from the heavy weight and potential tearing caused by the ice.

• Avoid Interior Water Damage: By eliminating ice dams, you reduce the risk of water seeping into your home and causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

• Maintain Structural Integrity: Prompt removal of ice dams helps preserve the structural integrity of your home, preventing long-term damage and costly repairs.

How to Remove Ice Dams

Please Note: Due to the dangerous physical requirements of removing ice dams, we do not recommend attempting to do these types of removals unless you are trained and experienced in accessing the areas of a roof where ice dams form. Leak Stoppers offers removal of ice dams and can ensure your home or building is clear of ice dams without causing further damage to the roof during the removal process.

Along with removing the ice dam, Leak Stoppers can also help identify the cause of the ice dam and offer solutions to prevent further ice dam formations, a key reason why it’s important to bring in expert assistance to address these situations.

There are several methods to remove ice dams:

• Use a Roof Rake: A long-handled roof rake can help you remove snow from the roof, reducing the amount of melting snow that can form ice dams. Choose a rake with wheels to protect your shingles.

• Apply Calcium Chloride: Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride and place it across the ice dam. This will help melt the ice without damaging your roof.

• Hire Professionals: For severe ice dams, it’s best to hire professionals like Leak Stoppers who have the tools and expertise to safely remove the ice without causing further damage.

Preventing Ice Dams

Prevention is always better than the cure. Here are some steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming:

• Improve Insulation: Ensure your attic is well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping and warming the roof.

• Enhance Ventilation: Proper ventilation in the attic helps maintain a uniform roof temperature, reducing the likelihood of ice dams.

• Seal Air Leaks: Seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s structure to prevent warm air from escaping into the attic.

By understanding the risks associated with ice dams and taking proactive measures to remove and prevent them, you can protect your home from significant damage and maintain a safe, comfortable living environment throughout the winter months.

Leak Stoppers offers a full range of services to help deal with ice dams and other structural issues to ensure your home or building is in optimal operating condition.

For more information or to schedule a repair or inspection, call the experts at Leak Stoppers today at 631-669-1570 or click here to fill out our online contact form!