Ice Dams: What Are They and Why Are They Dangerous for Your Roof?

Icicles can look so pretty hanging off of a snow-covered home. Kids love to hit them and watch them shatter as they fall to the ground. Other times, kids can be spotted licking icicles as if they were popsicles. Store owners hit them off from the entrances of their businesses to prevent anyone from getting hit in the head while entering through the door. Icicles seem to be a constant winter sight. 

However, icicles can be an indication of something potentially damaging to your roofing system. Icicles are formed when water is overflowing from the gutter system due to clogging. What causes this situation to happen and how can it be damaging? 

Ice dams are a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow and water from draining off the roof. The snow melts during the warmer daytime and then refreezes at night creating a buildup of ice. As this buildup occurs, the roofing material can become damaged underneath. 

There is no guarantee that if an ice dam or icicles have formed, there is extensive damage to your roof. It is better to strive to prevent damage than to have a costly repair down the road. 

What can the homeowner do to prevent ice dams from occurring? 

Gutter Cleaning

Debris, twigs, and nests from small animals are common clogs in a gutter system. Clean the gutter system regularly cleaned out to prevent buildup from occurring. Here is an effective way for the DIY-er to clean them out.

• Use a strong, sturdy ladder to climb up and inspect the gutter system. Please have a trusted friend hold the ladder for security. 
• Cleaning gutters is a dirty job! Wear gloves, long sleeves, and work pants. 
• Place a large tarp under the work area to catch the debris
• Use a small scoop, plastic kitchen spatula, children’s sandbox shovel, or a gutter cleaner scoop purchased from the local hardware store to clean out the debris 
• Use a hose to flush water through the system. If water backs up, move to the clogged area and begin the cleaning process again. 
• Once cleaned out thoroughly, notice any rusty areas, holes, or sagging gutters. This is the perfect time to repair the damaged areas
• Properly clean up when the job is completed

Clean Off Excess Snow From the Roof

This is a simple process when the right tool is used. A snow rake, or roof rake, is a long aluminum pole attached to a wide flat blade used for extending on the roof and gently guiding the excess snow off the edge to the ground. Here are some items to keep in mind when using a snow rake. 

• Clean the snow off when the amount is near 6 inches. Too much snow makes the job difficult, and too less of snow can damage the roofing material
• Do not use a snow rake when on a ladder. This can be quite dangerous! Please keep your feet firmly on the ground when removing snow from your roof
• Use caution around gutters, vents, and downspouts
• Start at the edge, pull snow off in a small section, then reach higher and pull more snow. If a massive amount of snow is removed at one time, an avalanche can occur
• Wear appropriate winter clothing. One can build up a sweat when using a snow rake, but be aware of hypothermia and frostbite. 

These are two fabulous ways to prevent future ice dams from occurring on your roof. If at any time, you have concerns about working near your roof, don’t hesitate, and call a local trusted roofing professional! Henderson Roofing in Westerly is available and ready to take your call! We have over two decades of roofing experience in the local area, and are more than happy to help you with all of your roofing needs! We are dedicated to outstanding customer service and quality workmanship. We guarantee customer satisfaction, every time! 

Call today and let us help you!