If you own a home in the greater Boston area, then you’ve probably heard of ice dams. Ice dams can cause a variety of problems, including roof leaks and water damage to the building’s interior. In extreme cases, ice dams can even lead to a roof collapsing under the increased weight of water and ice. When that happens, emergency roofing repairs and roof replacements become a necessity.
That’s why our first blog post is here to explain how ice dams form and what you can do to prevent them from causing more damage. Should you already need emergency roof repair in Cambridge or elsewhere in the Boston area, then give us a call. Our Cambridge roofing company specializes in repairing and maintaining slate tile roofs, as well as metal and flat roofs. Even better, we can address any roofing issues with our roof maintenance services and programs. With Art Slate Roofing LLC, you can sleep soundly with a secure roof overhead.
How Do Ice Dams Form?
So, what is an ice dam? As we all know, snow and ice can and will build up on your roof surface. Regardless of the roof type, ice dams are caused when the snow and ice accumulations on the roof melt during the day. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but mostly when an imbalance in temperature from the inside of your home meets the outside of your home.
An increase in sunlight hitting your roof, faulty insulation or inadequate ventilation of your attic space are all possible causes for ice dams. Regardless, the water runs down the slope of your roof until it reaches and refreezes on the eaves and gutters, forming a ridge all along the edge.
What are the Dangers of Ice Dams?
The formation of ice dams happens in increments. And if there’s one thing we know about human psychology, it’s that incremental problems are harder to recognize and resolve. But as it continues to snow and melt and freeze again, eventually, the ice on the bottom melts under pressure and further seeps under the tiles, metal or membrane of your roof.
Even a slight drip of water and ice can cause a wide range of problems for homeowners. Click on each topic below to learn more!
How to Prevent an Ice Dam
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. Here are some tips you can do to prevent ice dams from causing damage in the first place. It might seem like a lot to do, but many of these tasks not only prevent ice dams but a host of other problems as well.
Forget about two birds with one stone, you’ll be knocking out half the flock by undertaking these tasks:
- Inspect your roof regularly in order to ensure there are no pre-existing holes or gaps in the tiles, shingles, metal or membrane. If you do find a gap or hole, call a professional like Art Slate Roofing for roof repair services as soon as possible.
- Make sure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, so that warm air inside doesn’t escape and melt snow on the roof’s surface. Calling an insulation specialist and getting your attic inspected can be money well spent.
- Create ice-melt socks; these items can be made with nylon stockings and filled with an ice melter like calcium chloride, potassium chloride or sodium chloride. Place them every 3-4 feet, vertical to the edge of the roof. Place one end on the gutter and one on the roof slope. These socks will provide a channel for the water into the gutter, preventing the formation of a dam.
- Clear the snow off your roof with a long-handled snow rake. This will prevent snow from accumulating and causing ice dams to form. You might want to stay on the ladder rather than climb onto the roof. Regardless, use caution.
If your time is limited, don’t worry. Art Slate Roofing can undertake roof maintenance for you. With our yearly plans, we ensure your roof is in tip-top shape before the winter season starts. Once a roof accumulates two feet of snow, the snow removal should be the first thing you call for!
Need to Remove Ice Dams From Your Roof? Our Team Can Help You Blow Off Some Steam!
Of course, once an ice dam forms, you’ll probably need professional roofing services in order to clear the problem. Ice dams are notoriously dangerous items to clear as they combine the perils of snow, water and ice, usually on a sloped roof. Safety becomes paramount.
It’s not as simple as using a hose and rakes to clear snow from roofs. In fact, using running water can actually cause shingles and tiles to crack because of how they fracture the ice almost immediately; here at Art Slate Roofing, we use steam machines to gently melt the ice without causing damage to the roof. They can also melt snow and ice in hard-to-reach places without the need for intensive labor or special tools, meaning less time and money spent.
Our skilled team uses these tools to provide advanced roof maintenance during the winter months, ensuring the safety of your roof and home. If you need ice dam removal or emergency roof repair in Cambridge or the greater Boston area, call us today at 617-913-1130. Our qualified technicians are standing by to help you blow off steam and keep your home safe from ice and water damage.
Thank you for reading our first blog post, and we hope you stay safe and warm during the winter weather!