3 Tip for Stopping Ice Dams

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Icicles can be pretty to look at, the ice dam that causes them can create some ugly problems

Icicles may be pretty, but they’re a sign of a big problem – an ice dam. A snow-covered roof and poor insulation can lead to a solid block of ice that gathers along your roof’s eaves. If allowed to linger, these ice blocks can cause problems all over the roof of your Topstone, CT, home. What’s the answer? Read on to get tips for ice dam prevention.

What Is an Ice Dam?

A dam is a ridge of ice that has built up along the outer edges of a sloped roof. It comes from heat radiating through the roof and melting under a snowpack. The melting ice drips down to the edges of the roof and refreezes. This can lead to several problems:

• Destroyed gutters
  
• Damaged shingles
  
• Water damage

Short of moving somewhere it doesn’t snow, what can you do about this problem?

Heat Your Roof Evenly

This may sound counterintuitive, but heating your roof can stop dams. That’s because heating the roof uniformly can prevent refreezing at the eaves. Make sure you have a way to channel the melted snow away from your home.

Improve Insulation

One of the most obvious solutions is improving your roof’s insulation. Doing so can keep heat out of the attic and prevent snowmelt. Better ventilation will help air move around more efficiently and keep the underside of your roof cool.

Clear Off Snow

When all else fails, go to the source of the dams - the snow. Invest in a snow rake to remove snow before it packs on and creates pressure that contributes to melting. Make sure to be safe when trying to mount your roof.

While icicles can be pretty to look at, the ice dam that causes them can create some ugly problems. Take the necessary steps to prevent them before winter’s chill settles in. Try the above tips or talk to a winter storm cleanup professional to learn what you can do.