Ice dams form when melted snow or ice runs underneath snow piles on the roof. It’s a nasty issue no homeowner wants to deal with in the harsh realities of winter. An ice dam can cause expensive home damage if you don’t deal with it quickly.
If you suspect you have an ice dam, call a professional immediately. They’ll help solve the problem and prevent it from happening again. Here’s what to know about professional ice dam removal.
When To Call a Professional
Your home will show you signs that it’s time to call a professional. Get in touch with a local roofing technician if you notice any of the following:
- Water leaking into the attic or other rooms
- A rapidly growing ice dam with continued cold weather in the forecast
- Compromised or damaged shingles
- A sagging roof or gutters from the extra weight of the ice dam.
A professional can remove the ice dam and diagnose the underlying issue. It’s dangerous for homeowners to climb onto the roof themselves, especially during cold weather.
Ice Dam Removal Requires Prep Work
Professionals will have to do a bit of prep work before they can remove the ice dam. The snow on top of the dam will get cleared before the issue is fully diagnosed. They’ll use roof rakes to scrape the snow onto the ground, allowing a better look at the roof and the damage.
There Are Different Removal Methods
The process can seem simple on the surface. You remove all the snow and ice and wait for the weather to warm up. It’s not that easy, though. Most professional ice dam removal companies will use steam to remove the problem. Pressurized steam machines melt the ice and allow the water to flow naturally off the roof.
Preventing Future Dams
A-Rite Construction wants you to understand what causes ice dams from forming in the first place. While they can’t be stopped, they can be lessened, or the roof can be installed with proper materials to protect your home best as possible. A properly ventilated attic, a properly insulated attic and sill plate can lessen your problems. Each home functions differently and has different needs and options. The need is to cool the air that leaves the house before it reaches the snow on your roof. It is rare to eliminate this problem 100% but the A-Rite team is happy to provide their expertise as a Top Of The House Certified Contractor.
Now that you’ve gone over what you should know about professional ice dam removal, contact A-Rite Construction. We’re a trusted ice dam removal company with years of experience. We also provide other home exterior services.
