Ice Dams occur when temperatures drift between 10 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice builds up on the edge of the roof, but snow will melt above the ice ridge and the water will collect and flow under the shingles and into the house, causing tea-colored stains on walls and ceilings and destroying wallboard, plaster and insulation.

Icicles, a key indicator ice dams may be present, are common on many homes in snowy climates. Icicles hang in crystal rows and cluster at the corners of the roof. They can be a beautiful winter sight but they are dangerous to a home.

To determine if your roof has ice dams or is merely sporting innocent winter decoration look for a ridge of ice at the roof's edge, or a bulging area under a layer of snow above the icicles. Those are ICE DAMS. You often have to remove the snow buildup to see the ice ridge.

 

Do not climb on the roof to remove the snow or clear the vents.

Do not chop or pound the ice off the roof. You can damage the shingles, gutters or worse.

Carefully remove the snow above the ice dam. Remove as much of the snow as possible above the ice dam buildup. Using a conventional ROOF RAKE can cause damage to your shingles. Avalanche's cutting frame and guide wheels allow you to remove the buildup safely.

You can apply sidewalk snow-melt chemicals (NOT SALT) to ice dams. Salt can damage your shingles and stain your siding. Snow melt chemicals are available at most hardware and grocery stores. Use a ladder to get NEAR, NOT ON, the roof and apply the deicer to the ice highest on the roof.

Do NOT fill panty hose or stockings with deicing chemicals and throw them on your roof. It is unsightly and as the ice melts the hosiery can slide into your gutters and plug them.

You might also consider hiring a contractor to steam off the roof ice. But be prepared to dig DEEP into your pocketbook!

Proper home insulation and proper roofing materials can help prevent damage from ice dams.

 

The best way to prevent ice dams is to clear 3 to 5 feet of your roof edges after each snowfall. Avalanche! makes keeping your roof clear of snow fast and easy. Avoid sore arms, back pain and ineffective snow rake products. Avalanche! makes it easy.