Best Methods to Eliminate Ice Dams from Your Roof

 

Snow in winter time looks wonderful, but it also brings along certain problems. One of these is the formation of ice dams. 

These annoying ice buildups can cause severe damage to your house if they go untreated. Besides being a pain when it causes water retention, ice dams can create leaks within your home.  Thankfully, there are effective and safe treatments to remove roof ice and prevent future occurrences. This article depicts simple ways to help you deal with this problem.

What are Ice Dams?

Before starting to remove the ice dams, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly an ice dam is.

Ice dams happen when warm air from your house melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down to the edge of the roof where it refreezes. This can form a thick layer, sometimes several inches high, of solid ice. The dam backs up the water and ultimately accrue damage that may, thereafter, occur inside the house because of leaks.

Best Solutions to Remove Ice Dams

1. Employ a Roof Rake

The easiest way to begin ice dam removal is to use a roof rake to rake off some snow from the roof without damaging it. When raking off snow with a roof rake, make sure you are not getting on the roof or up a ladder—all clearing has to be done while you are standing on the ground. Start on the edge and work back, without digging too deeply, to prevent roof shingle damage.

2. Use Ice Melt

Another easy technique for melting ice on a roof is ice melt, which is available at most hardware stores. A favorite among users is calcium chloride, as it dissolves well even in low temperatures. You can stuff a pantyhose with ice melt and lay it down the length of the roof in a straight line across the ice dam. When the product melts the ice, it will dislodge the dam and let water drain off the roof.

3. Install a De-Icing Cable

De-icing cables are installed on roofs and gutters to prevent the formation of ice dams. Still, if an ice dam has already formed, the cables can be placed on the edge of the roof and along gutters. The cable will generate heat to melt any accumulated ice, preventing further formation. 

Getting rid of ice dams on roofs can be challenging, but de-icing cables offer an effective solution. While the installation of the cables is something of an initial outlay, they can be a big hassle-saver in the long term.

4. Provide Ventilation

Poor attic ventilation is usually a primary source of ice dams. When your attic is too warm, the snow on the roof will melt too quickly and cause ice dams. Attic ventilation enhancement helps keep the roof cooler. Installing soffit vents and ridge vents will allow cold air to pass through and melt the snow in an even manner. This is a long-term solution and more of a preventative measure to avoid future ice dams.

5. Call a Professional

Although you can use these methods to remove small ice dams, sometimes you just need an expert to do the job. If you have large ice dams, or if leaking has begun to occur inside your home, calling an expert is your best bet. They will possess the necessary equipment and experience to safely remove the ice without damaging your roof.

Preventing Ice Dams in the Future

Once you have cleared the ice dams away, you are going to avoid trouble. Empty those gutters, and let the water clear your home. Insulate that attic because you would rather not lose the heat and have the snow on your roof melt on you. As we mentioned before, remember to ensure adequate attic ventilation so your roof can have a cool temperature.

Conclusion

If left unattended, ice dams can become dangerous and cause serious damage to roofs. With the proper technique and equipment, removing ice dams is easy, and you can minimize their chances of returning. Proper maintenance, insulation, and ventilation can protect your home and roof from the harsh effects of winter. 

If this task feels beyond your comfort level, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Leak No More provides safe and effective ice dam removal services. 

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