During the wintertime, you might notice large buildups of ice at the edges of the roof. Roofers call these ice dams, and they occur when water pools on the feature and later freezes. While they might seem like a mere nuisance, the weight of the frozen water can result in leaks and eventual roof collapse. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you stop issues from happening.

Do:

Brush snow off the roof.

Your best weapon against ice dams is prevention. As snow collects and melts on your roof, it will result in these formations. Using a long-handled brush, sweep snow off your home as best you can after each snowfall. Pull down the slope to avoid damaging the shingles.

Contact a roofer.

While it’s understandable you’d want to do a thorough job sweeping away snow, don’t climb on your roof for any reason, especially during the winter. Instead, call a professional to solve current problems and prevent future ones. A roofer has the gear and expertise to safely get on your home and break up ice. 

Don’t:

Neglect ventilation.

Installing appropriately placed vents in the attic will ensure air continues to move underneath the roof underlayments and keep out moisture, both of which will contribute to ice dam prevention. A professional can tell you how many vents you’ll personally need, but generally, it’s one for every 150 square feet of surface.

Use chemicals.

While many people successfully use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on pavement, don’t use these substances on the roof. Both will damage the shingles and eventually collect in the gutters.

 

For help breaking up an ice dam or preventing one this winter, turn to the roofers at Ontario Exteriors. The Rochester, NY, company has provided expert roofing and siding services since 1995 and can repair problems and install skylights, seamless gutters, and more. For additional information, call (585) 421-0880 or visit their website today.