You may not know what ice dams are, but you’ve probably seen them. They’re the ridges of ice that form on the edge of roofs. They can create beautiful icicles, but when the rooftop snow starts melting, they block the flow of water to the gutters. It’s important to know why and how ice dams form, what to do to protect your home from damage, and when to hire a professional roofer.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

Ice dams form when roof snow melts. If the temperature is above 32° F on the snow’s surface, but the roof temperature remains below freezing, the melting snow will refreeze before it can flow off the roof. You may think there’s a problem with your gutters, but ice dams are most likely to blame.

What Damage Do Ice Dams Cause?

When the water backs up due to ice dams, it can cause roof leaks. Leaky roofs can damage the walls and ceilings below. When ice forms, this adds unevenly distributed weight to the roof, which may cause sections of the exterior walls to pull away from the structure. When the melting snow gets into wall insulation, mold can form undetected. Mold can trigger asthma symptoms, allergies, and other respiratory ailments. When insulation gets wet it compresses. When it dries, however, it stays compressed and is less effective at retaining heat. When more heat rises to the roof, more snow melts and the problem worsens. Other possible water damage includes peeling paint and rotting wood and drywall.

Removing & Preventing Ice Dams

Removing ice dams is dangerous for homeowners to attempt. You should focus on prevention and leave ice dam removal to a professional roofer. Here are a few ways to be proactive about ice dam prevention:

• Install a metal roof, which will stay colder longer
• Remove the snow from the roof before it melts
• Seal air leaks and increase the thickness of insulation in the attic floor
• Elevate exhaust systems so they terminate above the roof

If you’re having trouble with ice dams or a leaky roof, contact the experienced roofers of Cameron Roofing in Pittsford, NY. They’ve served more than 6,000 satisfied clients in the area. From minor repairs to complete tear-offs, they get the job done on time and on budget. Learn more online, or call (585) 851-6169 to schedule your free estimate.