After all the recent snowfall, it’s a good time to talk about ice dams. Every year we get a few phone calls from homeowners with ice dams, wondering why their roof is leaking. Even though our roofs are installed up to code, and per manufacturer’s specifications, ice dams can still cause leaks, especially after significant snowfalls.
Here is some information about ice dams provided by Reuben Saltzman from StructureTech-a home inspection company located in St. Louis Park.
“Ice dams are caused by heat loss. The most obvious sign of heat loss in attics is ice dams – those huge masses of ice that build up at the edges of roofs. Ice dams occur because heat from the house escapes in to the attic, warms the roof, and causes snow to melt. When the water gets to the cold overhang at the eave, it freezes. As the ice builds up, it literally creates a dam. The trapped water can then leak into the home and cause damage to the roof decking, structural members, insulation, and even stain the ceiling.
To prevent ice dams from occurring, you need to stop the heat loss. The best way to do this is to seal attic bypasses, the second best way to eliminate ice dams are by having adequate insulation and ventilation. Insulation will obviously help to prevent heat loss, and proper ventilation will help to keep the roof colder; the colder the roof, the less chance for the snow to melt in the first place.
Older one-and-a-half story houses are especially susceptible to ice dams because there is usually very little access to all of the attic spaces that need attention. If this is the case, there are still some steps you can take to control the damage caused by ice dams. The least expensive way to prevent ice dams is to remove the snow from the eaves using a roof rake. It’s best to remove the snow right away, when it’s light and fluffy. The longer you wait, the more ice will accumulate. If you can remove the snow down to the shingles, the sun will usually keep the shingles warm enough to prevent ice from forming at the eaves.
If you’re looking for a less labor-intensive method of preventing ice dams, you could install heat cable at the eaves. These will usually prevent ice dams from forming, but electric heat cables are expensive and use a fair amount of electricity to operate, making them an environmentally UN-friendly solution. Even manufacturers of heat cables state that they are not the most efficient way to solve ice problems.
The worst way of dealing with ice dams is to get on a ladder and hack away at your ice dams with a hatchet or ice pick. This is dangerous, and you could cause damage to your roof. I’ve seen many roofs with big hatchet marks in the shingles from people chopping too deep. I don’t recommend doing this.
The bottom line? If you can’t stop your ice dams by venting and insulation, buy a roof rake.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your roof free from excess snow before it turns into a significant problem. If you would like Iron River to remove snow from your roof with a professional snow rake, the charge is typically $200 for the first hour $75/ per man hour after that.
If you are experiencing ice dams, you can call Iron River for ice removal. Typically the charge is $300 for the first hour, and $75 per man hour after that. 952-442-1762.
Attic inspections- StructureTech is a home inspection company that we have used multiple times in the past, and they do a great job of evaluating and diagnosing all sorts of home problems. 952-915-6466. The price range for this type of inspection using infra-red technology is $150-175.
Insulation evaluations-Central Insulation has been in business for about 30 years, and can definitely troubleshoot and give solutions to heat loss issues. 952-442-2982. Typically costs around $150.
