When winter rolls around, one large concern for homeowners is ice dams. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your roof, shingles, gutters, and more. If you leave them untreated, ice dams can also lead to mold and algae growth. Today, the team at Aspect Roofing will share some tips on how to manage ice dam roof damage.
If your home needs roof repair from ice damage, Contact us today for industry-leading roofing services in Coralville, IA and beyond!
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when snow melts and freezes on the edge of your roof, covering your gutters. Ice dams can trap water on your roof, leading to significant roof leaks and water damage. Ice dams can form when there are uneven temperatures across your roof from poor insulation and quickly changing temperatures.
Snow over the center of the roof is heated by warm air from the attic and runs down the slope. As it reaches the edge of the roof near the deck, it comes into contact with cold air on the underside of the roof, and the water starts to freeze. The newly formed ice blocks further water runoff, creating a kind of “dam” near the edge of the roof.
How to Deal with Ice Dam Damage
Ice dams are particularly hazardous because they can cause water damage to your roof and your home’s foundation. Since they block your gutters, your roof cannot drain water a safe distance away in your yard. The overflowing water collects near the dirt around your home, leaking into the ground and your basement. Water runoff from ice dams can cause significant foundation damage.
If you notice an ice dam damaged roof, the first thing to do is remove any standing water pools. You can use a wet shop vac to remove standing water or install a sump pump to remove water from your basement.
Strategies for Removing Ice Dams
First and foremost, remember to always call the professionals for help. Attempting to remove ice dams incorrectly can have fatal consequences.
- The most obvious strategy is using hot water to melt away the dams. Heat a pot of water on your stove until it lets off steam. Slowly pour the warm water over the ice dams to melt blockages and allow water flow.
- Another option is to install heat cables in your roof. Heat cables are heated wires that lie across your roof. The heat from the wire prevents water from freezing and forming ice dams.
- You can also use calcium chloride (salt) to melt ice dams, just like how you would salt an icy sidewalk. However, calcium chloride and other ice salts can damage your gutters and yard if you use too much.
- Another option is to use a roof rake to gently remove ice and snow from your roof. Make sure you draw the rake gently across the roof towards the edges, so you don’t accidentally tear any asphalt shingles. Do not stand under the ice dam.
We do not recommend trying to manually remove ice dams with a hammer or ice pick. Doing so can risk damaging your roof, and falling ice chunks could pose a safety hazard. Contact Aspect Roofing for all your emergency roofing needs.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
The following quick tips are extremely useful for preventing ice dams from forming on your roof.
- Don’t let tree branches and debris build up on your roof. Debris can block water draining, forming standing water pools that can harden into ice. You should also not let snow build up on your roof.
- Similarly, make sure you clean your gutters frequently. Gutters clogged with sticks, leaves, and animal material can’t drain water, so it instead freezes on your roof and in your gutters.
- During the winter, remove any icicles forming on the roof’s edge. Icicles on the underside of your roof can contribute to the formation of ice dams.
- Double-check your attic insulation. Poor attic insulation can cause your roof to lose temperature, becoming cold and increasing the chance that water will freeze to form ice dams. Your attic insulation should have an R-value between 30 and 38 to achieve maximum results.
If your roof continuously produces ice dams, it might be time for a complete roof replacement!
Expert Roofing in Coralville, IA
If you have ice dam roof damage, you need a professional on your side you can trust. Aspect Roofing has over six decades of experience serving homeowners in Coralville, IA, with top-quality roofing services. We never cut corners and always go the extra mile to exceed our customers’ expectations.
We provide free roof inspections to residents in Iowa City, North Liberty, Coralville, IA, and the surrounding cities. Contact us online or call today at (319) 382-0073 to schedule an appointment!
