Northeast Gutters and Remodeling

Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home’s exterior. It is important to understand what ice dams are, how they form, and the potential risks posed by these accumulations of snow and ice. By understanding the risks associated with ice dams, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from forming or mitigate any damage that may occur when an ice dam does form. Today, we’ll cover all of that in this article.

What’s an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the eaves of a residential roofing system, preventing melting snow from draining off the roof. This can cause water to back up and eventually leak into the home’s interior, leading to serious damage.

How They Form

Ice dams form when the snow and ice on a roof’s surface melt due to heat radiating from the home’s interior. The melted water then runs down the roof until it reaches a cooler area, usually at or near the eaves. This causes the water to freeze again and accumulate, forming an ice dam.

Problems Caused by Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause several problems, including roof leaks, mold growth, damaged shingles, an increased risk of fires, and even structural damage. 

Roof Leaks

One of the most common problems caused by ice dams is roof leaks. When an ice dam forms, it prevents melted snow and water from draining off the residential roofing system. This can cause water to back up and eventually leak into the home’s interior, leading to damaged ceilings, walls, and floors.

Mold Growth

Ice dams can also cause mold growth. Moisture trapped by the ice dam can seep into the home’s interior, creating a damp environment that is ideal for mold to grow.

Damaged Shingles

Ice dams can also cause shingles to become damaged or lifted. When water gets trapped behind an ice dam, it can seep under the shingles and freeze, causing them to become brittle and break off as well as push away from the roof due to the ice formation.

Structural Damage

In some cases, ice dams can cause structural damage to the home. The weight of the accumulated snow and ice can put pressure on a roof’s structure, causing it to sag or even collapse in extreme cases. It can also cause damage to the gutter and siding installation as well.

Increased Risk of Fire

Ice dams can also increase the risk of fire. When an ice dam forms, it traps water and debris on the roof which can eventually lead to a buildup of flammable material that could catch fire if ignited. It can also block your ventilation and keep air from flowing to the inside of your home.

Preventing Ice Dams Before They Form

To prevent ice dams from forming, you should take steps to reduce the amount of heat radiating from your home’s interior. This can include having adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and considering heating cables or other measures to keep snow and ice from accumulating on the roof. Additionally, your gutter installation should be kept free of debris so that melted water can drain away properly. 

Ensure You Have Adequate Insulation

Having adequate insulation in the attic is crucial for preventing ice dams. Insulation helps keep heat from radiating into the attic and melting snow on the roof.

Ventilate Your Attic

Having proper ventilation in the attic is also good for preventing ice dams. Ventilation helps keep the temperature in the attic consistent and prevents heat from collecting on the roof and melting snow.

Heating Cables

Heating cables can also help prevent ice dams from forming. These cables are placed along the eaves of the roof and use electricity to keep snow and ice from accumulating. While this is often a more expensive option, it can save you a lot in headaches and repairs down the road.

Keep Gutters Free of Debris

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into the home’s interior, leading to serious damage. Get professional help if your gutters are too clogged to handle yourself. You can also work with a gutter installation specialist to repair or replace your gutters if they’re too old or damaged.

Getting Rid of an Ice Dam

There are a few ways to get rid of an ice dam if it has already formed. The most effective method is to use hot water, which will melt the ice and allow it to drain away. For larger accumulations of snow and ice, homeowners may need to hire a professional residential roofing contractor to safely remove the accumulation without causing damage to the exterior.

Use Hot Water

As stated before, using hot water is the most effective way to get rid of an ice dam. Hot water quickly melts the ice, allowing it to drain through your downspouts. Be sure to take proper safety precautions when using hot water on your roof. Use a ladder and hose to reach your roof or consider hiring a professional.

Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor

In many cases, and especially if the ice dam is too large to be removed with hot water, homeowners should hire a professional roofing contractor. These professionals can safely remove the accumulation without causing damage to the home’s exterior. While this comes at a cost, it’s far less expensive than repairs needed after a failed DIY removal.

What Not to Do

It is important to remember that ice dams should not be removed with shovels or other sharp tools. This can cause serious damage to the roof and may even void any warranties on the roofing material. They can also affect your home if not addressed quickly and properly. That’s why you should take steps to prevent them from forming. 

If an ice dam forms on your roof, it is important to address the issue properly to prevent future problems. Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor like Northeast Gutters & Remodeling in Simsbury, CT, who has the training and experience to safely remove the accumulation without causing further damage. Contact us today by calling (860) 899-7878 to learn more about our roofing and siding installation services! You can also reach us online to get started.