Ice dams are a common winter problem in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. Ice dams are a ridges of ice that form on the eaves of a roof, and prevent snow from melting and properly draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and drywall.
Ice dam related leaks occur when heated air from your home gathers in the attic area, due to inadequate insulation and ventilation. This heat escapes through your roof and melts the snow and because of the dam, it has no place to go. The result is water pooling on your roof, backing up under the shingles and eventually entering the attic area through seams and nail holes in the roof decking. See the diagram below:
Ice dam diagram
Ice dam in Waukesha, WI
There are a few simple tasks you can do yourself to help prevent ice dams from forming.
1. Remove snow from the roof by using a roof rake or a push broom. Be aware and careful when doing this, as to not damage the roof. By removing the snow, you are eliminating a key component needed to form an ice dam and will reduce the likeliness of having one form.
2. I also recommend that you use rock salt or calcium chloride in the gutters, to keep the water moving and properly draining from your roof.
3. Make sure your attic has adequate insulation, and be sure that the insulation is not preventing airflow through your soffits and gable vents. Also make sure that heat is not escaping from your duct work; repair and insulate that as needed.
Removing Ice Dams
By getting rid of the components necessary to form the ice dam: snow and heat, you significantly reduce the risk of having one form. In the event that these precautions haven’t worked for you, and an ice dam has formed, I recommend the services of a professional to remove it. Clearing them can be dangerous. Roof damage and personal injury are possible when attempting to remove them yourself.
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