Climate change is something that Pennsylvanians have to deal with on a regular basis. The winters in the state are colder and snowier than in other humid subtropical climates. Moving west towards the state’s mountainous heartland, the temperature gets noticeably cooler and the frequency of overcast days increases, increasing the quantity of winter snowfall.
Frequent episodes of snowfall may result in beautiful looking ice dams hanging atop your roofs. Looks can be deceiving and so are the Ice Dams that spell trouble. An ice dam is a collection of ice that forms along the lower edge of a roofline and overhangs the home’s edge. Ice dams are much more than a fascinating occurrence and can weigh hundreds of pounds, damaging the roof eaves’ structural integrity. Ignoring this issue might result in roof and gutter damage, as well as water leaks and other issues.
It could be challenging to get rid of Ice Dams and we are here with a compilation of 5 ways that might help you!
1. Warm Water Spritz.
This is merely a band-aid remedy, but it can yield quick results. Pour some hot or warm water into a spraying apparatus of some sort (large spray bottle, lawn fertilizer canister, etc.). Then, to release the ice, sprinkle it with water. However, unless your location has a warming trend, the warm water will soon become cold and freeze, so use this in addition with some of the other methods listed below.
2. Raking the Roof
Many people start chipping away at the ice on their roof using a chisel or hammer. This isn’t the best option because it would be rough on your roof and you risk inflicting even more damage. A rake is the ideal instrument to use if you insist on breaking up the ice dam using hand tools. The long handle of a rake allows you to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground while raking snow and ice off your roof. Raking snow and ice off your roof will instantly impact the temperature of your roof’s exterior and keep the ice dams from building before they become a challenge.
3. Blowing Cold Air Through The Attic
The heated air in your home rises through the roof, causing ice dams. Snow on your roof melts and slides down until it reaches your roof’s chilly, unheated eaves and edges, where it refreezes beneath shingles and around your gutter. One effective and non-harmful technique to battle ice dams is to direct fans directly at the issue area on your roof. Snow will not melt in the first place if the underside of the roof is kept cold, preventing ice dams from developing.
4. Deicer Made Of Calcium Chloride
Deicing your roof deck is a more severe approach, but it’s a highly efficient way to melt ice dams that have already developed. It’s vital to note that if you use calcium chloride to deice your roof, you’ll need to protect any plants below the gutters from the chemical, since they’ll die if over-exposed to it. Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride, then hang the stocking on your roof perpendicular to the edge of your roof. To get the stocking into the appropriate position, you may need to use a rake or a long-handled broom, but once it’s up there, ice dams will start to vanish.
5. Seek The Help Of A Professional
The majority of ice dam removal procedures are challenging and need a significant amount of time spent outside in the harsh Pennsylvania Winter. Remember that if you’re not sure how to deal with ice dams on your own, you can always call a professional.
If you don’t feel like doing it yourself this winter, employ a local roofing contractor. That’s where we come in. Our locally owned and operated company offers roof repair services in Ardmore and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. Our experts would be more than delighted to offer high quality roof maintenance services for your home and will be able to come out and remove any current ice dams, as well as devise a plan to keep them at bay until the roof is permanently restored. In short, we’re ready to be your one-stop shop for your exterior home renovation requirements.
Dial us up for your free quote today!
Looking for a Professional Roofing, Deck, and Siding Contractor in Ardmore?
Reach out to Hynes Construction at - 610-896-6388 Or Fill Contact Form
(President, Hynes Roofing and Siding)
With over 35 years experience in the roofing and siding industry, Michelle Hynes has built a business from 2 people into over 45 people and 19 trucks!