With winter on our doorstep, the winds are picking up, the ice is forming, and the bigger snow totals are on their way. Unfortunately, winter is also prime time for ice dams. Not only are these ridges of ice that form along roof edges unsightly, but they are dangerous as well. You may be tempted to grab a ladder and head up to the roof to break up these ice dams yourself.
However, the risk of serious falls and injuries are high with this type of unsafe job. On top of that, if you don’t address the underlying cause of ice dams, they will just keep coming back.
Today we’ll talk about what ice dams are, how they form, and why hiring a professional contractor in Metro Detroit is the only safe option for their removal.
Ice Dams: What Are They and Why Do They Form?
When heat is allowed to escape from your attic and warms the roof surface, the snow on the roof starts to melt. As the water heads toward the eaves, where it’s colder, it re-freezes and creates a thick ridge of ice. With time, this ridge acts as a “dam”, trapping more water behind it. Without the ability to drain off the roof properly, all that water seeps behind your shingles and results in interior leaks.
Water can also get behind your siding, leading to rot, mold, peeling paint, and structural issues.
Common signs of ice dam damage in your home include:
- Water stains on ceilings and walls
- Wet insulation
- Damaged drywall
- Rotted wood
- Mold growth
DIY Ice Dam Removal: The Dangers and Risks
From slippery surfaces to roofing material damage, there are many reasons why DIY ice dam removal is not recommended.
- Fall risk due to slippery surfaces: Climbing onto a snow-covered or icy roof without proper equipment and training is dangerous. Studies show that 500,000 people are treated each year for ladder-related injuries, with 300 of those cases being fatal.
- Damage to roofing materials: Homeowners who use improper tools such as metal shovels or chisels can dent or puncture shingles, which shortens the lifespan of your roof.
- Incomplete removal: Chipping away at ice dams won’t remove them entirely. Any ice that remains will continue to pool water behind it, leading to a cycle of problems throughout winter.
Hire a Professional For Ice Dam Removal
Professional ice dam removal contractors in Michigan are not only trained in proper removal, they bring the latest tools and equipment to perform the job safely.
- Proper safety equipment: Using harnesses, roof anchors, ladders, and other fall protection measures, your roofing professional can safely work on steep or slippery roofs.
- Safe melting techniques: Professionals don’t always rely on sharp tools to break the ice; the also use steam to gently melt ice dams to reduce the chance of shingle damage.
- Comprehensive removal: Skilled technicians make sure the full ice dam is removed to restore the unobstructed flow of water off the roof.
How to Prevent Future Ice Dams
As said above, ice dams will continue to form if the underlying issue is not resolved. That’s the biggest advantage in hiring a roofing professional. They can identify the root cause of ice dam formation, which is usually inadequate attic insulation or poor ventilation.
Heat that is allowed to escape will warm the roof unevenly and lead to repeated ice dam formation. Solutions your Michigan roofer may recommend include:
- Adding or upgrading attic insulation to reduce heat loss
- Installing additional ventilation for consistent roof temperatures
- Adding heat cable systems in concerning areas
- Addressing gutter issues that worsen meltwater buildup
Coupling ice dam removal with preventive upgrades can reduce the likelihood of ice dams re-forming as the winter wears on.
Contact McLean Roofing and Siding Today
As you can see, ice dam removal is best left up to the professionals! Contact us at (248) 524-1111 to schedule an ice dam inspection and removal with our experienced Michigan roofers today.