Damage to Roof Caused by Ice Damming

Cause

• The slope of a roof combined with the presence of snow and extra heat from within a home result in the formation of an ice dam that blocks the rain gutter system. Melting snow caused by the excess heat results in water dripping down the roof and freezing when it comes into contact with the ice dam, and this can result in the water having nowhere else to go but to leak into the home.

Damage

• Ice dams can damage a roof in a couple of different ways. For example, ice dams can result in roofing shingles being pulled off the roof, and water can be pushed up under the shingles. This results in moisture intrusion on the roof, which can lead to mold and mildew. The damage can continue through to the attic beneath the roof, causing water damage, leaks and stained ceilings.

Solution

• There are two quick, easy and cheap ways to remove an ice dam that are safe. You can use a cooling fan or portable air conditioner to blow cool air up at the attic ceiling, which will cool the roof and prevent meltwater from making the ice dam bigger. Or you can use a long-handled rake to rake the snow off your roof from the ground. Because snow is the cause of the ice dam, removing the snow is the best way to solve this problem and prevent damage to your roof.

Prevention

• Preventing an ice dam is a long-term solution and usually involves preventing warm air from reaching your attic. This warm air melts the snow that starts the flow of water that later freezes once it touches the much colder rain gutters, forming an ice dam. Increasing your attic insulation and making the ceiling airtight will prevent ice dams from forming, because this will prevent the attic's warm air from reaching the roof.