It has an inverted spike look, which you are familiar with if native or ever visited the coldest cities in winter. Dozens of thin, pointed, long bulbous, dagger-like spikes drip down from the edges of our homes. Whether they’re iconic or not, these large ice spikes mean a more serious issue: These miracles of nature are ice dams.
Ice dams are a common problem during the winter, especially in colder climates. They can form on your roof and cause water damage to your home.
In this article, we will discuss what ice dams are, how they form, and how to prevent them. So read on to learn everything you need to know about ice dams and your roof.
1. What Are Ice Dams?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs. This ridge of ice can prevent melting snow from draining off the roof, which can cause water to back up and leak into the home.
1.1. How to Do Ice Dams Form
Ice dams form when the temperature of your roof is warmer than the temperature of the air outside. This causes melting snow to run down your roof and freeze again when it reaches the cooler eaves.
As the ice builds up, it creates a dam that prevents melted snow from draining properly. This can lead to water backup, which can damage your roof, gutters, and walls.
2. Danger of Ice Dams to Your Roof
Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, including:
- Roof leaks
- Damaged gutters
- Damage to walls and ceilings
- Structural damage to your home
2.1. Roof Leak
The sun’s rays cause the ice on your roof to melt. This water then flows down the top, but an ice dam can prevent it from escaping.
When water backs up behind an ice dam, it can seep under shingles and into your home; this causes damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation. The process of melting and freezing can also cause leaks in your roof.
2.2. Damaged Gutters
When water backs up behind an ice dam, it can freeze and expand. This can cause gutters to crack or split.
Ice dams can also damage your gutters by pulling them away from your home or causing them to collapse under the weight of the ice. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
2.3. Damage to Walls and Ceilings
Water that leaks into your home can cause damage to walls and ceilings. This is because the water can seep through cracks and crevices, causing the paint or wallpaper to peel away. In extreme cases, the water can cause the ceiling to collapse.
2.4. Structural Damage to Your Home
Ice dams can cause structural damage to your home if they are left unchecked. The weight of the ice can cause roof trusses to sag, and the water can seep into the framing of your home and cause rot. In extreme cases, an ice dam can cause a roof to collapse.
3. How to Fix the Ice Dams
The general opinion is that careful prevention is more beneficial than stop-gap measures. When you have water dripping from the ceiling of your living room, it’s easy to see why. If you have an ice dam, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage.
3.1. Remove the Ice Dam
The University of Minnesota Extension emphasizes the immediate removal of ice so that damage can be minimized. This can be done with a shovel, ice pick, or roof rakes available at most hardware stores. Be careful not to damage your roof when removing the ice.
3.2. Cutting Through the Ice
If you have hard and solidified ice that cannot be removed by shovel, you can use a chisel or an ice pick to cut through the ice. First, find the center of the ice dam and then start chipping away at it. Work your way from the center outwards.
3.3. Melting Of Ice
Melting of ice is the oldest method to remove the ice dam from your roof, you can apply different methods such as.
a. Apply Heat
Applying heat is one of the most effective ways to remove an ice dam. You can use a hairdryer, a heat lamp, or an electric blanket. Place the heating element on the ice dam and wait for it to melt. Be careful not to overheat the shingles on your roof.
b. Use Chemical De-icers
If you don’t have access to a heat source, you can use chemical de-icers. These are available at most hardware stores. Simply sprinkle the de-icer on the ice dam and wait for it to melt. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
c. Pouring Boiling Water onto the Ice Dam
Boiling water can also be used to melt an ice dam. Be careful not to splash the water onto your roof or gutters.
3.4. Call a Professional
If you are uncomfortable removing the ice dam yourself, you can always call a professional. They will have the tools and knowledge to safely remove the ice dam and minimize damage to your home.
4. Preventing Ice Dams
The best way to deal with an ice dam is to prevent it from forming in the first place. There are a few things you can do to prevent ice dams:
4.1. Insulating your attic
One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is to make sure your attic is properly insulated. If your attic is not properly insulated, heat will escape through the roof and cause the snow on the roof to melt. This water will then freeze and form an ice dam.
You can prevent this by making sure your attic is properly insulated with either fiberglass or cellulose insulation. You can also install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from entering the attic.
4.2. Keeping Your Gutters Clean
If your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, they will not be able to properly drain water away from your home. This water will then freeze and form an ice dam. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your gutters.
You can also install gutter guards to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters.
4.3. Clearing Snow from Your Roof
If you live in an area where it snows frequently, you should clear the snow from your roof after each storm. This will help prevent the snow from melting and refreezing into an ice dam.
4.4. Adding a Drip Edge
A drip edge is a strip of metal that is installed at the edge of your roof. It helps to keep water from seeping under your shingles and freezing on your roof.
You can install a drip edge yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
4.5. Sealing Any Leaks
If your home has any leaks, be sure to seal them as soon as possible. Leaks can allow warm air to escape, which will cause the snow on your roof to melt. This water will then freeze and form an ice dam.
You can prevent this by sealing any leaks in your home, such as around windows, doors, and the attic.
4.6. Install De-Icing Cables
If you live in an area where it snows frequently, you should consider installing de-icing cables on your roof. De-icing cables are wires that are installed on the roof of your home. They are a cost-effective way to prevent ice dams from forming and can save you money in the long run.
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