Roof icicles are some of the most unsuspecting home hazards in the winter time. What may look like a beautiful cascade of frozen water off your roof top is actually a dangerous and potentially fatal set of sharp, dense ice shards. In order to protect yourself and your guests from icicle accidents in the future, you need to stop this problem from ever happening in the first place. Here is a guide showing how to prevent roof icicles from forming.
Keep Snow Buildup To A Minimum
One of the most critical steps in preventing icicles on the roof is keeping the snow on the roof to a minimum. There are many ways to get snow off a roof, from using roof rakes to hiring a professional to do the maintenance for you. Try to keep snow off your roof as much as possible. Not only will this protect your family from falling ice, but it will also protect the structural integrity of your roof.
Check Your Attic’s Insulation
A well-insulated attic will do wonders for snow and icicle control. If your home is old or poorly maintained, you may consider investing in new insulation to reduce the danger of icicles on your roof. The insulation will keep your roofing warm during the winter, allowing the snow to stay cold so it doesn’t melt and turn into icicles. As long as you keep up with your insulation needs every few years, you should be able to avoid icicles on your roof line.
Control Ice Dams As They Form
Ice dams can become major problems in the winter, from a safety perspective and a home improvement perspective. When ice dams are left untreated, they can add significant weight to your roofing, which may eventually cause it to crack and warp. Ice dams can also lead to the formation of icicles, or they can fall off entirely and seriously hurt someone near your home. Control ice dams before they become problematic, and you will have a much easier time preserving the integrity of your home.
The key to avoiding roof icicles is to keep your roof cleaned off during the winter. Do all you can to rid your roof of snow and other cold-weather hazards, and you will not have to worry about the dangers of icicles.