Stop Roof Rot Now: How To Fix Ice Dams Before They Cause Damage

Now that December is in full swing, it’s up to you, the homeowner, to stay vigilant and catch ice dams before they worsen.

“Winter weather can be tough on a roof, and ice dams can compromise even the most durable roofing systems,” says Mike Weis, vice president of sales at Carlisle Architectural Metals in Atlanta.

By knowing what ice dams are and how to spot them early on, you can protect your home and prevent the frustration that comes with water backup, roof damage, structural issues, and costly repairs.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams form when heat leaves your home and warms the surface of your roof, allowing the snow to melt. The melted snow then refreezes as temperatures drop overnight, typically at the eaves. 

Over time, repeated cycles of melting and refreezing prompt ice to build up along the roof edge, slowly but surely making its way up the slope. This accumulation creates a barrier, or “dam,” that traps melted water behind it. 

“With nowhere to drain, the trapped water can work its way underneath the roofing material and leak into your home’s crawl spaces, attic, and walls, resulting in pricey water damage,” explains Weis.

In severe cases, prolonged ice buildup can contribute to long-term issues that will shorten the lifespan of your roof.

How to resolve them 

There are several things you can do to fix ice dams before they make life annoying and expensive, including:

Make ice melt socks

“If you already have an ice dam, ice melt socks can come in handy,” explains Kevin McLister, production manager at BOLT Builders in Washington DC.

You can make them yourself by filling nylon stockings or pantyhose with calcium chloride pellets. Lay the socks across the ice dam and wait for them to melt it. Note that you might need multiple socks for larger dams.

Use a roof rake

Grab a roof rake to get rid of the first few feet of snow above the gutters. This will reduce how much the snow melts and refreezes.

“Whatever you do, don’t ever use a hammer to break the dam because it can damage your home,” says McLister.

Ensure proper attic ventilation

Give your attic space sufficient ventilation. “Air should be making its way into the eaves (soffits) of the attic space and be exiting through roof vents or a continuous ridge,” explains Russell Vent, vice president at Paul Davis Restoration in Rochester, NY.

Depending on your situation, you might have to install or upgrade your ridge vents or add vent chutes along the eaves.

Opt for professional removal

“Find out who in your local area provides ice dam removal and keep their number handy,” says Vent. Keep in mind that after an extreme weather event, these companies become inundated with requests and even the largest providers can become backed up for days and weeks. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a couple of options at your disposal.

Proactive tips to prevent ice dams

The old saying “prevention is better than the cure,” applies to many aspects of homeownership, including ice dams. With these strategies, you can reduce their risk and stop the problem from occurring in the first place.

Maintain proper indoor temperatures

“While not always possible, stopping your home from getting too cold is the main defense against ice dams,” says Vent. Get your furnace, boiler, or other heat sources serviced. Also, open the doors in rooms that are typically cooler to allow warm air in, ultimately preventing “cold spots” and ice dams.

Invest in snow guards

“Properly installed snow guards, which regulate the rate at which snow and ice shed from the roof, go hand in hand with ice dam prevention,” says Weis.  An important safety measure, snow guards ensure accumulated snow and ice don’t slide off the roof and cause property damage or injure a person walking underneath the roof line. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, routine gutter cleaning can get the job done.

Hire a roofing contractor to install ventilated insulation 

A roofing contractor can reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming by installing a ventilated insulation product during a roof replacement. This will promote cross-directional airflow beneath the roof. 

According to Weis, building science tells us that by allowing air to flow under the finished roof assembly, the temperature of the roof will remain more consistent. “This minimizes hot and cold spots on a roof where ice dams can form and supports overall roof health,” explains Weis.