How Should You Treat a Leaky Roof from Ice Damage?

The cause of an ice-related roof leakage is related to temperature, not structure: Warm roofs melt snow, and the runoff freezes at the edge of the roof. This ice dam causes water to build up and eventually leak into the roof. The dam's weight may damage the roof's structure as well. Removing snow from the roof is a good short-term solution, but you must also treat the source of the problem. Creating an airtight seal between your attic and the rest of your house discourages the melting of roof snow by indoor heating. Large buildups of ice may be too dangerous to remove, in which case you should call a professional.

Instructions

- 1
  Clear snow and ice from your roof. Sweep snow to the ground with a push-broom or roof rake. Move the broom or rake with gentle strokes to avoid damaging your roof.
- 2
  Create channels in the ice dam on your roof if sweeping cannot dislodge it. Spray warm water onto the dam with a hose. If your house has windows that look down onto the roof, pour the warm water safely from the window above. Continue applying water until thin channels appear: The free space will allow water to trickle off the roof, not into your house.
- 3
  Inspect the attic for large holes created by ice removal and patch them. Insulate the ceiling of your attic to prevent heat conduction from melting snow on the roof in the future.
- 4
  Contact a professional roof cleaner if you have a high roof that you cannot access safely or easily. Avoid clearing ice yourself if large icicles or ice dams loom above you.

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