Ice Dam Repair

If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your roof in good repair. Not only does a well-maintained roof protect your home and belongings from the elements, it also adds value to your property. One common problem that can occur on roofs during the winter months is ice dams. These can cause serious damage to your roof, and it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent the need for ice dam repair.

On this page, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about ice dam repair.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams occur when snow and ice melt on your roof and then refreeze, creating a dam-like structure. These dams can cause water to back up on your roof, leading to leaks and damage. Here at Shore Lock Homes, we find that dams are most common on roofs that have poor insulation and ventilation. If your roofing doesn’t have proper insulation, the heat from inside your home can cause the snow and ice on your roof to melt, which can then refreeze when it reaches the colder edges of your roof.

How do ice dams form?

As we mentioned, ice dams are caused by melting and refreezing snow and ice on your roof. Here’s how it typically happens:

1. Snow accumulates on your roof and begins to melt due to heat loss from your home.
2. The melted snow flows down your roof until it reaches the colder edges, where it begins to refreeze.
3. As more snow and ice melt, they flow down the roof and collect behind the dam of ice, causing water to back up on your roof.

Here are a few signs that you may need ice dam repair:

1. Icicles hanging from your roof: If you have icicles hanging from your roof, it could be a sign that you have an ice dam. These icicles form when the melted snow and ice flow down your roof and refreeze.
2. Water stains on your ceiling: If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, it could be a sign that you have an ice dam. Water can leak through the roof and cause these stains if it gets backed up due to an ice dam.
3. Sagging gutters: If you have an ice dam, the weight of the ice and snow can cause your gutters to sag. This is a sign that you need to address the issue and call an ice dam repair company as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

How do I prevent ice dams?

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof:

1. Insulate your attic: Proper insulation in your attic will help to keep heat in your home, which can prevent the snow and ice on your roof from melting.
2. Ventilate your attic: Proper ventilation in your attic will help to keep it cool, which can prevent the snow and ice on your roof from melting.
3. Keep your roof clean: Remove snow and ice from your roof as soon as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.
4. Fix any leaks: If you have leaks in your roof, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Leaks can cause the snow and ice on your roof to melt, which can lead to ice dams.

Being proactive with these measures could prevent you from ever needing an ice dam removal company like us.

If you have any questions, or if you’re in need of ice dam repair or ice dam removal services, give us a call today!