As a resident of the East Coast, you already know the winter season can be pretty unpredictable. Weather conditions, including wind, snow, ice, and sleet, can cause havoc, and havoc can mean ice dams.
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams are a problem that can occur when temperatures drop below freezing and snow begins to accumulate on rooftops. The heat from the home interior can cause snow to melt. The water runs down the roof and refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a dam. As more snow melts and the water builds up behind the dam, it can eventually seep into the shingles and underlayment, leading to roof leaks.
Signs of ice dams on a roof include:
- Ice and snow build up along the roof’s edge.
- Icicles hanging from the roof’s edge.
- Buckling or curling shingles.
- Water stains on the ceilings and walls inside the house.
If you already have ice dams building on the roof of your home, follow these steps:
Call A Professional Roofer – A professional roofer to assess the situation and determine the best course of action to remove the ice dams.
Consider A Heating Cable – Consider installing a heating cable along the roof’s edge to prevent future ice dams from forming. This cable works by heating the roof, melting away ice or snow accumulating near the edge.
This proactive measure stops ice dams from forming, allowing melting snow and ice to drain safely away from the roof.
Check The Attic – Inspect your attic to ensure the insulation is sound and has proper ventilation. If you are unsure what to look for, a professional can assess the insulation, ventilation, and other factors that can affect the overall energy efficiency of your home.
They may suggest ways to improve the attic’s insulation and air quality. Additionally, they can assess the attic for other potential safety concerns, such as mold or asbestos.
Inspect And Clean The Gutter System – Ensure your gutters are clear of debris so they can adequately channel water away from your home. Leaves, twigs, or other materials that accumulate in them could cause a blockage. Next, inspect the entire gutter system for signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or rust.
If you find any damage, you should get them repaired immediately. Finally, check that the downspouts are properly attached and not clogged with debris.
Remove Snow – Make sure that the snow on your roof gets removed regularly to reduce the risk of ice dams forming.
If you have ice dams, a roofing professional should assess the situation and take the necessary steps to remove accumulated snow safely. Snow removal services are critical after experiencing heavy snowfalls and for homes with low-sloped roofs.
The amount of snow an average home roof can handle depends on the roof type, pitch, and weather conditions. Typically, a roof can hold up to 20 pounds of snow per square foot before its structural integrity is compromised. Therefore, it is vital to stay alert, be aware of the weather conditions during the winter season, and have a professional inspect your roof if you have reason to believe that it’s bearing weight heavier than this amount.
How Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?
Ice dams can cause damage to roofing materials, gutters, and the interior of a home. As the snow melts and runs down the roof, an ice dam blocks the moisture from running off, causing it to back up and seep into the roofing materials, leading to leaks, water damage, and mold growth when unchecked or remediated.
Ice dams might cause gutters to pull away from the roof, leaving a gap where runoff water isn’t supposed to drain and creating a way for moisture to seep inside or get inside the fascia.
What Are Ice Rakes For Ice Dams?
Ice rakes are tools used to remove ice and snow from the roof. They are typically used to break up and remove the large chunks of ice resulting from ice dams. By design, ice rakes safely and efficiently remove the ice and snow from the roof for ice dam prevention.
Ice rakes appear much like other types of rakes. They are long poles with a broad, flat metal head featuring several sharp, curved tines at the end. These tines break up the snow and ice on the roof for safe removal.
Reasons Why To Consider Using An Ice Rake For Residential Rooftop Snow Removal
Safety is the most notable reason to use an ice rake. It’s safer and more efficient than using other tools, like a shovel. In addition, it can reach further and cover a larger area than a shovel, making it easier to quickly remove large amounts of snow.
The long handle and curved tines help prevent damage to the roof when removing accumulated snow. The curved tines ensure that the snow gets removed rather than pushing it around, which can damage the shingles.
Call In The Snow Removal Pros When Needed
If a Nor’ Easter or another significant weather event has left piles of snow on your residential rooftop, hiring a professional roofing company to remove it is a worthwhile decision for any home or business owner.
Hiring a professional rooftop snow removal company provides peace of mind that snow gets removed without incident, preventing costly damage and repairs from occurring.
Professional roofers are experienced and trained to safely and effectively remove snow from roofs and gutters. Investing in this service can save money and hassle in the long run by preventing a potential collapse or leak from occurring and keeping your home or business safe and secure.
Professional roofers have the appropriate tools and equipment to do the job right and can also help identify any potential weak spots in your roof that need addressing.
Suppose you find your home under significant snowfall and need help digging out. In that case, Flynn Roofing is ready to help with your snow removal needs in Newton, Wellesley, Dover, Hingham, Norwell, Needham, Cohasset, and Scituate. Contact us today!