Ice dams form when there has been heavy snow coupled with temperatures below freezing. When warm air escapes through your roofs ventilation system, the snow that is on the top of your roof heats up and begins to melt. However, once the melted snow and ice travel to your roofs overhang, it is trapped and then freezes due to the extreme cold temperatures. Once this water refreezes, it forms an ice dam. Ice dams pose great threats to your roof, as they will cause water to begin to seep into your home. This water can cause structural damage if left untreated.
Not only are ice dams dangerous to your roof but they can also cause you to lose energy in your home. It is very important to contact a professional roofer and have the ice dams removed immediately. Due to the fact that you are dealing with ice on your roof, homeowners should never attempt to remove ice dams themselves. The best course of action is to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
Taking steps to prevent excess heat from evaporating from your home best prevents ice dams. If you live in a cold climate, you should discuss steps with your roofer that you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. One step that you can take is to make sure that your roof is built to code. Have your roofing contractor inspect your roof and make certain that it can withstand the weight and pressure of accumulated snow. You should also devise a plan to remove snow as it begins to build on your roof. In addition, you should discuss all of the options that you have with your roofer to make certain that your home is properly ventilated to prevent ice dams from forming.
