Winter brings its own set of challenges, and for many homeowners, ice dams are a huge threat to the structural integrity of their roof system. Maupin Roofing regularly performs roof repairs in Oklahoma, and we’ve seen plenty of cases where ice dams caused serious damage to homeowners’ roofing material. If you’re worried your roof’s surface might face a similar (tragic) fate, keep reading to find out more about protecting your roof structure. We’ll talk about what ice dams are, how they form, and, most importantly, how to prevent them to avoid roof damage.
What Are Ice Dams?
An ice dam is what you get when your roof is blanketed in snow and some of that snow starts to melt. The melted water runs down your roof until it hits a colder spot, usually at the eaves, where it freezes again. Now you’ve got a solid barrier of ice along the edge of your roof, leading to issues like water pooling on the roof surface, clogged gutters, water damage, moisture buildup, mold growth, and more.
The result is a soggy roof, potential water leaks, compromised roof trusses, a damaged roof deck, and even water infiltration inside your home. Roofing materials and types of all kinds—hip roof and gable roof types, pitched roofs, and slate tiles—are all prone to ice dam formations and, consequently, major damage and equally major repairs
How Do Ice Dams Form?
Heat from inside your home can be a cause of ice dams. When warm air escapes into the attic, it can heat the roof’s surface from the inside and cause the ice on top of your roof to melt. This melted snow then flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes there, which forms an ice dam.
Snow accumulation is another common cause. When there’s a thick blanket of snow on your roof, it becomes a sort of insulation that traps heat. As a result, the snow closest to the roof starts to melt. Then, this water reaches the colder parts of a roof, re-freezes, and adds to the ice dam.
Changing temperatures also cause ice dam formations. Specifically, daytime thawing and nighttime freezing can speed up the ice dam formation process.
The Risks Associated With Ice Dams
Ice dams can cause shingles to lift or crack, which then creates vulnerable areas where water can easily sneak in. If water infiltration does happen, it can damage the roof deck or even seep into your attic.
Water backed up behind an ice dam doesn’t just sit there quietly. It often finds a way inside. That could mean stains on your ceilings, peeling paint, or in worst cases, structural damage.
Gutters are unfortunately no match for heavy ice. If an ice dam gets too big, it can take your gutters down with it. And trust us—replacing gutters is definitely not how you want to spend your post-holiday budget.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Now that you’re sufficiently terrified of ice dams (like every other homeowner!), let’s talk about how to stop them from forming in the first place. Thankfully, prevention is much easier and cheaper than repairing the damage after the fact.
1. Add Attic Insulation
A well-insulated attic keeps warm air from escaping into your roof. And even if you’re not that worried about ice dams, insulation is always a good investment because it keeps you home at your desired temperature.
2. Ventilate Like a Pro
Good attic ventilation means you can keep your roof at the same temperature as the outside air. This helps prevent uneven melting and freezing. You’ll want a combination of ridge vents and soffit vents to get that airflow going.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Heat doesn’t just float up into your attic on its own. It sneaks in through gaps around chimneys, light fixtures, and other openings. Sealing those leaks with caulk or spray foam can stop the heat from escaping.
4. Use a Roof Rake
Got snow? A roof rake is basically your new best friend. Use it to gently remove snow from the edges of your roof after a big snowfall. Just be careful not to damage your shingles in the process—no need to add roof repair to your to-do list.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters make it harder for water to drain off your roof. Before the snow hits, take some time to clear out those leaves and debris. Bonus: it’ll also help with spring rains.
Already Have Ice Dams? Here’s What to Do
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ice dams form on your roof anyway. Luckily, there are ways to deal with them without causing more harm to your roof.
1. Try Calcium Chloride
Sprinkling calcium chloride on an ice dam can help melt it. Just avoid using rock salt, as it can damage your shingles and affect any nearby plants. You can even fill an old sock with calcium chloride and lay it across the dam to create a channel for water to drain.
2. Steam It Away
For serious ice dams, steam removal is your safest bet. This method uses high-temperature steam to melt the ice without damaging your roof. However, it’s a job best left to professionals as it can be dangerous to do on your own, especially if you don’t have much experience when it comes to steaming.
3. Don’t Use Hammers or Chisels
Using a hammer or chisel on ice dams can be tempting, but it’s too risky. It can lead to all kinds of damage on your roof, so we recommend using other methods over using these tools.
Lasting Roof Protection Against Ice Dams
If you find yourself constantly dealing with ice dams, we recommend trying out some of these long-term solutions:
1. Install Heated Cables
Heated cables along the edges of your roof can prevent ice from forming in the first place. They’re especially beneficial for problem areas prone to ice dams.
2. Upgrade Your Roofing Materials
Metal roofing is great for shedding snow, and some asphalt shingles now come with built-in water barriers. A little investment now can save you costly repairs later on.
3. Add an Ice and Water Shield
Adding an ice and water shield under your shingles provides an extra layer of protection. It won’t necessarily stop ice dams, but it will keep water from sneaking into your home.
4. Clean Your Roof Regularly
Regular maintenance and inspections go a long way in preventing ice dams and protecting your roof structure. You can trim trees and overhanging branches so they don’t scrape the roof surface. Additionally, clear out your gutters to prevent clogs, which can lead to water pooling on your roof and freezing there. It’s also smart to address issues promptly by having timely repairs to prevent further damage in other parts of the roof and exterior wall.
Call Maupin Roofing for Expert Roof Repairs
With decades of experience in the roofing industry, Maupin Roofing is the most trusted business for roof repair in Oklahoma City. So, if your roof is a little rough because of damage caused by ice dams, our services will restore your roof so it can handle all kinds of harsh weather conditions, rain or shine—or snow!
Contact us today to get started.
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