We saw some pretty gnarly ice dams last winter that led to damage all across New England. Even commercial spaced were at risk as we watched a store neighboring one of our locations have a roof collapse right near the parking lot. So what can you do this year both before and after the snow starts hitting to make sure those ice dams can’t form and ruin an otherwise perfect roof?
Preventing Ice Dams
You might be thinking “I want to keep my roof warm, so the snow melts and runs off,” but this isn’t the truth! The best way to ensure your roof stays ice dam free is actually to keep your roof cold. If the snow on your roof begins to melt because the roof of your attic is above 30˚F, then the water will run down and refreeze near the eaves where the temperature is colder. This creates the majority of ice dams in the winter months, and this is the problem we need to solve!
Insulation
Insulation is the place to start. If your attic is uninsulated then you’re losing valuable heat to your attic, the underside of your roof, and then eventually right into the snow covering your roof. With proper insulation you seal the gaps between your living floor(s) and your attic. To learn more about insulating your attic, read our blog covering that HERE!
Proper maintenance of the insulation is critical. Before the snow hits you need to make sure you haven’t had any leaks above your fiberglass batts, or if using spray foam insulation, make nothing has been chewed up by an animal or otherwise damaged. If you need to add or replace insulation get it done BEFORE the snow starts, and not afterward!
De-Icing Cables
De-icing cables are an excellent way to keep any ice or snow from accumulating on the eves of your house. Sometimes when temperatures fluctuate around freezing, snow can naturally thaw and refreeze into ice no matter the precautions you’ve taken to insulate.
Install these cables in areas where ice dams are the most culprit. Arrange the cables so that they route water flow from the warm area of the room (where the snow is thawing) to the cold areas (overhang or eaves) and down to the ground. The best way to do this is to lay the cable in a zig-zagging “V” pattern, as seen in the picture.
To learn more about installing De-icing cables, you can also read this blog HERE!
Proper Snow Removal
If the snow comes around you don’t have these preventative measures in place, it’s not too late! Proper care of the snow that falls on your roof and timely remove can help with ice dam removal as well. For this, you’re going to bring out the roof rake and get busy as soon as you can get out there.
Use a roof take to remove as much snow from your roof as possible before it has a chance to melt. If you live in a one-story house, it should be easy for you to clear the entire roof, but in anything multistory you’re probably just getting the overhangs. Be very careful if you use anything to increase your height (ladders) to get further back on the roof. Falling snow is a HUGE threat and can potentially be life-threatening. If your house is multi-storied and ice dams are threatening you, call a professional in to have it looked into.
Wrap Up
Don’t let ice dams rule your house like they ruled New England last year! Come down to Koopman Lumber today and pick up everything you need to protect your house and your family this Winter season. Click here to find the Koopman Lumber store nearest you!
