Information on Removing an Ice Dam
 Ice dams occur when snow melts near the ridgelines of warm roofs (roofs without adequate ventilation). As the water runs down the roof to the overhang, it cools and freezes. If the snow continues this melt and freeze process, an ice dam can form that can seep under the shingles, through the decking and into the house. This, of course, can cause serious roof leaks--even in freezing temperatures. The best prevention to ice dams is a well-ventilated roof . Additional protection for your roof can be applied with an impermeable ice and water membrane. The membrane is installed on top of the decking, under the roofing material.
Temporary prevention of ice dams can also be done through the use of electric cables along the eaves of the roof (where the dams usually form). However, new ice dams can form above the cables and still cause extensive damage. Another emergency solution to ice dams is to fill a sock or nylon with calcium chloride. Lay the stocking vertically across the ice dam. The calcium chloride will melt the ice and release the water so that it can drain outside, and not inside your roof.
|
Over time with a continual freeze and thaw cycle the volume of ice grows thicker and thicker. The greater the volume of ice in the gutter or in the valleys the more likely there will be water entering your residence or facility.
|
Solutions: If there is water entering toward the outside wall or If there are various spots on your drywall toward the outside wall here are some things to check and do. First look outside to see if you have the above scenerio happening. If there is a lot of water entering the home, a trough would need to be cut in the ice to allow the water to get off the roof. Take special caution not to damage the roof with the tool used to break up the ice. Call a professional if this is too dangerous of a situation.
Snow can act as a blanket on the roof thus causing the melting point to be at the roof line. When this happens, the heavy snow especially on the bottom edges of the roof should be removed. This can be done with a rake or a shovel. Once again take care not to damage the roof or put yourself in danger.
Before the winter time months hit, these things should be checked: make sure you have adequate insulation. Check to see if the soffit vents are unblocked with insulation. The goal is to keep the heat in the house (with insulation) and keep the attic temperature closer to the outside air temperature (proper ventilation). |
|
|
|
|
