What Are Ice Dams and How To Get Rid of Them

Winter is here in Connecticut, and so is all the snow and ice. While homeowners are likely to focus on shoveling out their driveway and walkways, it’s also important they keep their roof in mind. Ice Dams can pose a serious hazard and should always be removed. Here’s what you need to know:  

What are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are large mounds of snow and ice that hang off the sides of your home’s roofing system. After a heavy snowfall, warm air in the attic causes the snow on your rooftop to melt – then the water runs down and refreezes at the roof’s edge, forming a large chunk of heavy ice. 

When the sun comes out and the ice dams start to melt, they can cause serious damage to your home’s roofing system, including broken gutters, damaged shingles, and leaks. As well, if they fall, they can hurt anything sitting underneath, including you or your family.  

Getting Rid of Ice Dams

When you notice ice dams forming on the edges of your roof, it’s a good idea to get them removed, especially if more snow is on its way. It may seem easy to just whack away at them with whatever tools you have handy, but that can further damage your roof and home. Some homeowners think throwing salt up there will do the trick too, but that will harm your plants way more than the ice. Some safe and effective ways to get ice dams removed include: 

• Use a roof rake – While standing firmly on the ground at a safe distance, use a roof rake to brush the ice dams and snow off your roof carefully. 
• Melt it away – Calcium chloride, just like the ice melt used on your driveways, can help get rid of your ice dams. However, just throwing it up there is ineffective, so fill up a tube sock or pantyhose with the granules, tie it shut, place it perpendicularly on the edge of your roof, and watch it work its magic. 
• Blow in cold air – If you’re noticing leaks, atop it in its tracks and go right to the source: your attic. Using a fan, target the underside of your roof with some cold air to freeze the water. 
• Get a Professional’s Assistance – The surefire safest and most effective way to rid your home of ice dams is to get help from a team of roofing professionals. Not only can they get rid of any snow and ice on your roof, but they can also look for damage and help you get any fixes done quickly.  

Contact Ambrosio Landscape Solutions for expert roofing and ice dam removal services in Fairfield County, CT! 

When snowstorms hit, we’re the team to call to remove all that snow off your roof. The experts at Ambrosio Landscape Solutions have the tools and expertise to help remove snow and ice from your roof this winter season, so contact us today or give us a call at (203) 762-5167 to learn more!