Ice Dams

What are

Ice Dams?

Winter, though beautiful, comes with many challenges. Protecting your home from the harsh weather is one of those challenges. As a homeowner, it’s important to have your roof in mind during the winter months. One problem we come across quite often is ice dams. These are icy buildups that may look harmless, but they could cause a lot of damage to your roof and home. 

What are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form along the edges of a roof. Heat escapes the house from the attic and melts the snow on the roof. The melted water starts running down the roof, but refreezes when it reaches the eaves, which are typically colder. This happens over and over again, creating an ice barrier that prevents melting snow from draining off. As water backs up behind the dam, it can seep under shingles and into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and more.

Since the ice dams block water from draining, water pools start forming on the roof. This creates a risk of water seeping through the shingles, leaking into your home, and causing water damage or mold. Ice dams can also cause gutter damage if not taken care of.  

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Prevention is key to avoiding costly repairs. Here are some steps to protect your home:

  1. Improve Attic Insulation: Make sure your attic is well-insulated so the warm air doesn’t escape and warm the roof.
  2. Ventilate Your Roof Properly: A good ventilation system helps maintain a steady roof temperature, which prevents snow from melting unevenly.
  3. Seal Air Leaks: Check for leaks in your attic where warm air can escape, such as around light fixtures, vents, and chimneys.
  4. Remove Snow Safely: You can use a roof rake to remove snow from the edges of your roof. We suggest that you do not climb on the roof because you could get injured or cause further damage to your roof.
  5. Install Ice and Water Shield: Consider installing an ice and water barrier under your shingles.
  6. Professional Roof Inspection: Have a roofing professional assess your home for vulnerabilities and recommend solutions for your home.

 

What to Do If You Already Have an Ice Dam 

If an ice dam has formed, it’s essential to address it promptly. Call a professional promptly! Removing ice dams is dangerous, but professionals have tools and training to do it safely. Avoid using salt to melt the ice or chipping at the ice dam, because they can cause more damage to your roof.

CCX Ice Dam Removal

At CCX Roofing, we specialize in protecting homes from winter weather. We see a lot of ice dams in Idaho and Utah and have a lot of experience preventing and repairing them. Contact us today for a professional inspection and solutions for your home. 

Call for your Professional Inspection!

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