Ice dams occur when snow melts on your roof, pools near the edge, and refreezes. It can cause severe damage not only to different roofing materials but also to ceilings, walls, and flooring. Don’t wait for them to form and melt. Here, the experts at Butler County Lumber Company of Hamilton, OH, share some tips for preventing ice dams on your roof.

4 Tips for Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof

1. Seal Attic Bypasses

When you allow heat to escape into the attic, it can warm up parts of your roof and melt the snow above it. Make sure to seal gaps in drywall, unblocked walls, cracks around light fixtures, and any other openings. You can use foam, caulk, and other insulating roofing materials.

2. Clear Away Roof Debris

Cleaning your roof is an important step in preventing ice dam formation. When leaves, pine cones, twigs, and other debris accumulate, they could clog your gutter system. Thus, melted snow could overflow and freeze into ice dams. When ignored, it breaks your gutters and causes leaks that can damage your foundation.

3. Install Heat Cables

Heat cables provide added protection to your roof against unwanted ice dam buildup. It is designed to keep melted ice flowing through gutters even in freezing temperatures. You can find do-it-yourself heat cable kits at your neighborhood home improvement stores.

4. Remove Snow Using Roof Rake

Another way to prevent ice dams is to remove snow from your roof before it can melt and refreeze. The best remedy is to use a roof rake. It’s a special tool that allows you to clear off snow from the surface of your roof while standing on the ground. It can be physically demanding and may require the help of a professional.

For high-quality roofing materials that can withstand all weather conditions, you can rely on Butler County Lumber Company. They also assist contractors, builders, and homeowners when it comes to building supplies and woodworking. No job is too big or too small for these experts. Call today at (513) 896-6660 or visit their website for inquiries.