In colder climates an ice dam on your roof can wreak havoc on your home or business. When the temperature of your attic is warmer than the snow, the snow on your roof melts and flows down the roof until it reaches the colder eaves or soffit, where it can refreeze.
A few days of this cycle and the freezing snow builds up and forms a dam of ice. Water pools behind this dam and can back up under your shingles, damaging your roof and leaking into your ceilings and walls.
Prevent Warm Air from Getting into Your Attic
If you have problems with ice dams, there are steps you can take to eliminate them and keep your home dry. Attic insulation should be a minimum of R-50 to keep warm air out of the attic. Anything that enters the attic space; wires, vents, fixtures, chimneys, etc., must be sealed with spray foam or caulking.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit, like those provided by your gas or electric company can locate any air leaks and give you suggestions on to how to prevent loss of heat to your attic. When you have identified potential problems, contact a licensed contractor to make the necessary changes.
Hire a Roofing Contractor to Remove an Ice Dam
If you do have an ice dam, do not attempt to remove the ice with shovels or chemicals, you can damage the shingles or gutters, and in most cases void any warranty you have on your roof. Hire a roofing contractor if an ice dam needs to be removed from your roof.
