Ice Dam Removal: The Ultimate Guide

5 min read

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of roofs during winter. They occur when accumulated snow on a rooftop melts and trickles down over the eaves of a home, then refreezes. This buildup of ice blocks gutters and causes water to pool on your roof instead of flowing off it.

While an ice dam might look picturesque, the damage it can cause is definitely not pretty. Ice dams can result in roof leaks, water damage, and a host of other problems that can be costly and complicated to fix.

Fast action is needed to keep ice dams from damaging property. Below, we dive into the ins and outs of ice dams, including their causes and how to prevent them. We also provide helpful advice on how to get rid of ice dams.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams form due to a combination of three main factors: uneven roof temperatures, freezing outside temperatures, and snowfall.

Ice dams occur when the temperature of the higher parts of a roof is warm enough to melt snow, or above 32°F, while the temperature of the lower parts of the roof or the roofline is below freezing. When snow at the top parts of the roof melts, the meltwater flows toward the gutters. When it reaches the part of the roof that is below freezing, the meltwater refreezes.

Over time, as more snow accumulates and melts on the roof, the dam will grow bigger. However, it will only stay frozen on the parts of the roof with temperatures below freezing. This means that when the dam gets big enough, the water behind it stays liquid.

But why is the roof warm in the first place? Warm air from living spaces below rises into the attic. If it is adequately insulated or ventilated, heat loss through the roof can occur, warming its surface and causing the snow on it to melt.

The Dangers of Ice Dams

Ice is heavy – an inch weighs about five lb per square foot. While roofs are built to withstand heavy loads or around 20 lb per square foot, some roof areas – such as the overhangs and gutters – can’t hold that much weight.

If ice dams get big and heavy enough, they can cause gutters to bend, sag, and pull away. Eventually, ice dams can even cause gutters to detach. The weight of ice can also cause the structural collapse of roof overhangs.

However, an ice dam doesn’t have to be particularly big or heavy to cause water damage. Water damage from meltwater can damage the roof structure, sheathing, insulation, ceilings, and walls of a home. What’s more, meltwater increases the risk of moisture problems, which can result in mold and mildew growth.

Preventing Ice Dams: Proactive Measures for Homeowners

Ice dam removal, especially when DIYed, can be difficult and dangerous. Fortunately, there are some things homeowners can do to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. The following are some tips:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your home’s gutter and downspouts. This makes it easier for melted roof snow and ice to flow down and away from your home.
• Remove snow from your home with roof rakes. These devices allow you to pull snow off your roof while on the ground.
• Make sure your attic is adequately insulated. An insulation contractor can assess your attic to determine whether it is insulated and ventilated enough and recommend solutions such as adding more insulation or sealing airflow leaks.

Removing Ice Dams: Tips and Techniques

If an ice dam has already formed on your roof, your next step is ice dam removal.

Below, we’ve provided information on how to remove ice dams. However, make sure to prioritize safety. If you are uncomfortable being up on the roof, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. A qualified contractor, such as a snow removal specialist, knows how to remove ice dams safely and has the equipment needed to do so efficiently and thoroughly.

Use Calcium Chloride Pellets

Calcium chloride is a chemical agent that lowers the freezing point of water – simply put, it melts ice dams.

Fill an old tube sock or pantyhose with the pellets and tie off both ends. Place it vertically over the dam, ensuring that one end extends an inch or two over the roof’s edge. This ensures that when the ice dam melts, the water will flow off and away from your roof. You can use a long-handled garden rake to nudge it into position.

Calcium chloride pellets are gentler to roof materials than rock salt and can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, if you have pets, keep them away from the pellets, as they can be harmful when ingested.

Use a Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet can chip away at an ice dam and create channels through which meltwater can flow. With this ice dam removal method, you will need to be at the level of the ice dam, so work with caution. If in doubt, call a contractor to do it instead.

It is crucial to use only a rubber mallet to break apart ice dams, as tools like hatchets and axes can damage your roof.

Address Water Damage With the Help of Restoration 1

If an ice dam on your property has already caused water damage, don’t delay. Reach out to Restoration 1 of Cary for speedy and expert assistance.

Our certified technicians are on standby, available 24/7 to restore your property promptly. We utilize advanced equipment to diagnose and address water damage problems, as well as perform mold inspection and remediation.

You can be confident in choosing Restoration 1 for all your property restoration needs. Contact us today!