If you live in an area with a lot of snow, or you’re moving to one soon, you’ve probably been searching ‘impact of ice dams on roof’ on repeat and found yourself here. We’ll go through the ways ice dams can cause damage which can be worrying but we’ll also lay out ways to help protect your home against their effects.

First of all, what is an ice dam? They’re blocks of ice that form at the edges of your roof and in your gutter. They occur in colder Northern climates that have a large snowfall. While we like snow for making snowmen and making us feel festive, when it hangs around it can cause problems. During the day, the temperature heats up slightly causing the snow to begin to melt but before it can fully drain away it freezes again overnight as temperatures drop back down. This cycle can cause an ice dam to form, and it will then block water from melting snow draining from your roof. This is where ice dam damage effects can occur. If the water can’t drain from your roof through the usual guttering it will find its way into your house. If you have any small gaps the water will find them and if there’s repeated melting and a large volume of water, it can even work its way in between shingles. Water damage can cause structural problems by warping the wood in your home. It could also cause mold to grow which can be a health hazard. If it goes unnoticed for long enough, water in your house could also affect your electrics causing power loss which is the last thing you want, especially in the cold months. To prevent these issues or address existing damage, reach out to local roofing contractors who can help ensure your home is protected from the effects of ice dams. But before you hire a specialist, take the time to review the important questions to ask your potential roofer to make sure they’re the right choice.

Ice Dam Prevention Tips to Ease Your Worry in Winter

If you live in an area that’s prone to ice dams, there are ways you can protect your roof and property. If there are different temperatures across your roof this means the thawing and freezing isn’t happening evenly. This makes ice dams more likely so ensuring you have the best insulation before winter begins can keep your roof clear of ice. This will also make it easier to heat your home keeping your bills lower, so it really is the best idea all round. Having good ventilation in your attic and under your eaves can also help. This will only keep your attic cool, so you don’t have to worry about a cold house, but it can help prevent the melting stage altogether. Snow is less dangerous to your roof than ice and without the melting ice dams cannot form.

Getting your roof checked over by a specialist before the snow comes is a great idea too as they can make sure you have no small gaps for water to find and that it’s as strong as can be before the snow and ice arrives. Proper drainage can’t completely remove the risk of ice dams as the freezing is the issue, but it can help remove some of the water before it freezes. Therefore, ensuring your gutters are clear of blockages like leaves and twigs before winter comes and regularly through winter if you can. If you’re able to, using a roof rake to remove the bulk of the snow as it gathers can also help as less snow means less water. 

If you're in the city and searching for roofing companies in Waukesha , residential roofing in Pewaukee , or roofing services in Cudahy , our expert teams are ready to provide dependable solutions to ensure your home is fully prepared to withstand the harshest weather conditions.

What to Expect From Ice Dam Damage Repair

If you notice an ice dam beginning to form, it’s best to get someone out to get rid of it immediately. Removing it while it’s small is easier and the larger it gets the more likely it is to cause damage. Trying to break it up yourself isn’t recommended as leaning a standard ladder against ice is dangerous and most people’s first instinct is to chip away at it to break it down, but this is likely to damage your roof in the process. Professionals like Four Leaf Roofing & Windows will be able to get up to your roof safely and break it down with warm water so it drains away. While they’re up there they can inspect the roof for damage and clear your gutters. They will also be able to give you suggestions on how to protect against roof damage from ice next year.

To make sure your roof is ready for the ice to come, check out our roof repair services here.