24/7 Emergency Service
Winter: Tis The Season for Ice Dams
12/21/2018 (Permalink)
They form when melting ice and snow refreeze above the eaves of your roof and subsequent melting backs up under the shingles. This causes interior leaks and water damage to interior walls and ceilings.
Proper ventilation, drainage and insulation are the ONLY ways to prevent ice dams.
- Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris
- Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic such as vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures.
- Inspect your roof and attic for proper ventilation and insulation
- Look for signs of inadequate ventilation: rust spots, rusty nails or a mildew smell are all signals that moisture has formed on the inside of your roof
- If you have soffit vents in your eaves, make sure they are not blocked and insulation surrounding them is secured so that air can flow easily
- Keep snow from accumulating on the lower three to six feet of your roof
To remove Ice Dams, consult a roofing professional. DO NOT use a snow blower, shovel or blowtorch to try to chip, break or melt ice dams.