Be prepared for Winter weather.

12/13/2024 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again!

Ice dams (no, not what you’re thinking!) can form when melting snow refreezes, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. This buildup can lead to water damage in your home or business, both inside and out, when temperatures drop.

Melting ice dams can cause water to leak into attics or closets without you even noticing until the damage is done.

Here are some tips to prevent ice dam damage:

• Clean your gutters regularly
• Insulate your attic
• Use a roof rake to remove excess snow
• Clear away water that pools behind the dam

(Avoid chipping away at the ice directly—this can damage your shingles!)

Now, you could try the old trick of filling pantyhose with calcium chloride (aka "salt socks") to create a runoff channel for water, but it’s not always effective. Plus, spreading ice melt or rock salt on your roof can cause corrosion and shorten the lifespan of your roof, gutters, and downspouts.

The best solution is to use steam to melt the ice. You might need a professional for this—unless, of course, you’ve got your own ice dam steamer. The steamer uses low-pressure steam to safely melt the ice without damaging the roof.

We hope you have a dam good holiday season with no ice dams, but if you do encounter any water damage, we're here to help!