Fight roof damage before it begins.
What is an ice dam? Ice dams—ridges of ice that stop melting snow from draining off roofs—are caused by varying roof temperatures.
How ice dams form:
- Warm attic air melts snow high on the roof.
- Melted snow freezes at the colder eaves.
- Melted water gets trapped by ice.
- Water damages roof and finds its way into the attic.
Ice dam damage:
A. Loose and damaged shingles
B. Broken gutters
C. Wet insulation
D. Mildew and mold problems
Get the snow off the roof with a push broom for flat and low-slope roofs or roof rake for sloped roofs.
Preventing ice dams.
Make ceilings airtight—stops warm air from entering the attic.
Replace old-style recessed lighting with sealed fixtures, which can be covered with insulation.
Boost ceiling/roof insulation.
Insulate or seal attic access doors.
Ensure all exhaust goes outside, not to the attic.
Fix cracks in your chimney flashing.
Seal and insulate all ducts.
Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes.
Steer clear of:
Removing ice with chippers, salt, chemicals or heat—these can damage your roof.
Adding roof vents—this can compound the problem.
Installing heating cable—this may shorten the lifespan of your roof.
