In Minnesota, we’re all used to harsh winters with lots of ice and snow. Ice dams are a common problem that can cause significant damage to any home. At Refuge Roofing, customers often call us with questions about the ice dam removal process. We thought it would be a good idea to outline this process for our customers so they better understand the importance of this winter task.
What is an Ice Dam?
The definition of an ice dam is a piece of ice that forms at the edge of your roof that causes melting snow to not be able to drain off your roof.
How Ice Dams Are Formed?
Ice dams occur in the following conditions:
- Heat rises from inside your home, into the attic and heats the roof from the underside. This causes the shingles to warm.
- Snow that’s on the roof now begins to melt. The melted snow then travels down the roof until it hits the area of the roof that’s below freezing (typically the roof overhangs). This water then begins to refreeze at these areas and forms ice dams.
- The ice dam grows in size as more snow melts and refreezes, causing a large wall of ice to pool.
- The melted water can then work its way under the shingles and flow through the roof decking and into the attic. This can then cause damage to your ceiling, walls and the rest of your home.
How Are Ice Dams Removed?
Our team of ice dam removal experts use a low-pressure steamer which helps to remove all of the ice build-up, which helps to protect your shingles as well as the entire structure of your home. We can also talk to you about how to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to ensure ice dams do not become a problem at your home. One common way to prevent ice dams is to properly insulate your attic. With proper attic insulation, you’ll ensure that heat doesn’t escape from within your home to your attic and ultimately your roof.
Interested in Learning More About Our Ice Dam Removal Process?
Are you concerned that ice dams might be forming on your roof? If so, it’s best to contact an ice dam removal team like Refuge Roofing as soon as possible. We can help to reduce the amount of damage to your home and also help you to prevent ice dams in the future. Give us a call anytime at 651-PRO-ROOF to schedule a free estimate!