Ice Dams on Roofs: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them
Maryland winters are no joke. While you’re prepping sidewalks with ice, servicing the HVAC, and switching to snow tires, you also want to remember to protect your roof. Frederick winters can cause ice dams on roofs, causing lasting damage you’ll be paying for in the spring.
Get ahead of snow and ice damage on your roof this winter. Learn how to winterize your roof and prevent ice dams. A little maintenance today could save you thousands this winter.
Politz Enterprises is here to help with expert tips, storm damage roof repairs for snow and ice, and general roofing maintenance for both homeowners and business owners.
What Are Ice Dams and How Do They Form
An ice dam is the formation of ice at the edge of your roof. As snow begins to melt, most commonly due to hot air escaping from the house through the roof, the fluctuating temperatures can cause the melting snow to refreeze. At the edge of the roof, where the eaves and gutters are metal and therefore naturally colder, the melted snow will refreeze faster, creating an ice dam.
An ice dam is most concerning because it stops heavy snow and water from sliding off your roof. It will cause water from rain, snow, and humidity to accumulate, backing up and creating leaks, sags, and other issues. If heavy snow piles up on the edge of a roof, its weight can weaken the roof and cause structural issues.
Common Causes of Ice Dams
- Poor roof ventilation
- Inadequate attic/ceiling insulation
- Air leaks
- Heavy snow storms
- Clogged gutters
- Rapidly changing temperatures
Dangers of Ice Dams
- Roof leaks
- Damaged shingles
- Water-soaked insulation
- Mold
- Warped roof or home frame
- Siding separation
- Gutter damage
Preventing Ice Dams
A little winter maintenance can go a long way towards preventing ice dams this winter. You want to check the interior of your home to prevent air leaks and ensure the exterior is prepared with clean gutters.
If you know your home is likely to develop ice dams, you can also install preventive measures to help ensure there is no ice freezing at the edge of you roof.
- Check attic insulation
- Seal any holes in the attic
- Maintain and test your eave vents
- Remove any blockages that vent your attic
- Clean gutters
- Invest in a roof rake for roof snow removal
- Talk to a local roofer about waterproof membranes
- Talk to a local roofer about electric deicing cable installations
Clearing Active Ice Dams
If winter is already underway and you notice ice dams forming, it’s okay! There are simple ways for a homeowner to remove an active ice dam and help clear snow and water off their roof.
Remember, never go on your roof in the winter due to the dangers of snow and ice. A local roofer can help you if the ice dam is causing severe damage. Otherwise, you can remove ice dams safely from the ground with these tips.
- Invest in a snow or ice rake to clear the ice from the ground; watch for skylights and do not snag the gutters
- Call for gutter removal if gutters are clogged
- Apply ice melt products safely to melt the dam
- Remember to turn on heat-melt cables to warm up the area of your roof (if previously installed)
Repairing or Replacing Water-Damaged Roofs
Water damage from ice dams can unfortunately be a common part of winter for Maryland homes. This is why Politz Enterprises specializes in storm damage repairs. We can help assess and repair roof damage from ice, snow, and water.
If your roof damage requires roof replacements, no problem, we offer affordable solutions with a fast installation time. Our combined gutter and siding services also allow you to bundle and repair the entire exterior of your home following a snowstorm in Maryland.
Don’t let winter get the best of you or your roof. Stay ahead with preventive maintenance, invest in a roof rake to remove snow and ice, and call when you notice any signs of damage. Snow roof repairs are fast and simple for our expert team. Call if you need a consult on winter maintenance for your roof in Maryland today.
