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Prevent Ice Dams from Forming During Winter

Prevent Ice Dams from Forming During Winter

The onset of winter brings along the ever-persisting problem of ice dams. Preventing ice dams and removing them is a critical component of your home maintenance. Ice dams removal is an extremely vital process that helps in improving the roof’s structural integrity as well as functionality. Ice dams stagnating on the roof can severely damage the shingles and gutters, peel off the paint and create leaks in the roof. Periodic roof maintenance and getting your roof inspected by a reliable roofing company can prolong your roof lifespan. 

When the snow on your roof begins to melt, an ice dam is formed. Snow melts on a higher, warmer portion of a roof, runs to the lower, colder eave overhang, and then refreezes to form ice dams. As the ice builds up, it creates an obstruction that stops further snowmelt from dripping from the roof. Now that it has started to melt again, the ice starts to back up underneath the roof shingles, soak the roof sheathing, and pour into the attic. The ice might also seep into your living area via the drywall on the ceiling below. Large ice dams can be exceedingly heavy and damage gutters posing a safety hazard to persons below.

Homeowners often ignore the condition as some find the icicles hanging on the sidings visually pleasing. However, this visually pleasing sight can create long-term problems for your roof and it shouldn't be neglected under any condition. You need to take action before the harmful effects of ice dams begin to take their course. The ramifications of neglected ice dams can seriously harm not just your roof but the entire structure of your home.

Preventive action is the first step. Therefore, your first focus should be on avoiding the formation of ice dams. Timely removal of snow off your roof is the first step towards the prevention of ice dams formation. Get in touch with a snow removal company immediately in case your region has witnessed heavy snowfall. In case you believe that your trusted hammer and shovel are enough to remove the snow from the roof, you might be wrong. This process can only increase the risk of injury and even roof damage. Hence, getting in touch with your local snow removal company is always a wise option. 

What happens then if your preventative strategies are unsuccessful and an ice dam forms? In the worst situation, they can result in collapse as well as leaks and fissures. The key to avoiding these kinds of winter roofing problems brought on by ice dams may be to remove snow and ice before it settles (or creates ice dams) on your roof.

How to prepare your roof and prevent ice dams

Pre-Season Roof Inspection- 
Experienced roof inspection companies like Basswood Roofing provide roof checks where they conduct a thorough inspection of your entire roof structure. Any gaps, leaks, or minor damages can then be repaired making your roof winter ready. This will help your roof in staying strong and prevent ice dams formation.

Insulate Your Roof- 
Roof insulation helps in maintaining an appropriate temperature for your home and prevents the roof surface from freezing and aiding ice dams formation. Get in touch with us at Basswood Roofing for complete insulation recommendations and roof repairs. Well-insulated roofs can also reduce your utility bills by 15% resulting in massive savings.

Rooftop snow removal- 
Roof de-icing and snow removal is an expert’s job and necessary precautions and expertise is required to carry them out. We use green ice melt to remove snow accumulation and this procedure is beneficial to your roof as well as the environment. 


Following some basic roof maintenance remedies and following all roof maintenance procedures at the prescribed intervals can help in preventing ice dam formation. This will also prolong your roof’s lifespan along with saving you a fortune in new roof installation or frequent repairs. 

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