Avoid damage to your home by preventing ice dam formation.
As the meltwater runs into the gutter system, it cools and begins to freeze.
Gradually, ice builds up in the gutter, forming an ice dam.
Credit:Getty Images / Andrej Trnkoczy
When this occurs, the weight of the ice can damage the gutter system.
Here’s how to prevent and remove ice dams from your roof.
What Is an Ice Dam and How Do They Form?
An ice dam is essentially a block of ice that forms in thegutter systemof the home.
As it grows, it prevents the gutter system from draining water away from the house.
Ice dams form because of a difference in temperature between the roof and the eaves.
This heat increases the temperature of the roof, causing the snow to melt.
If there is a significant temperature difference between the roof and the eaves, ice damming will likely occur.
The greater the difference, the higher the chance of ice dam formation.
With this in mind, learning how to prevent and remove ice dams is important.
Additionally, DIYers should never substitute rock salt for calcium chloride when melting the ice dam.
3 Ways to Remove Ice Dams
1.
With this in mind, the DIYer should never use rock salt for this purpose.
Instead, use calcium chloride or a similar ice-melting product.
Start by connecting a garden hose to the hot water outlet for the laundry tub or washing machine.
Homeowners can hire professionals to melt the ice dam with hot water or by using commercial steaming equipment.
Similarly, DIYers can prevent ice dams from forming by removing the snow from the roof.
If no snow is on the roof, it can’t melt and create ice dams.
Use a lightweight roof rake with a long extension to safely rake snow off the roof.
DIYers can reduce the amount of heat flowing to the roof by sealing these gaps.
Installing an efficient ventilation system for the home is a job for a professional.
Not only does this help prevent ice dams, but it also improves the efficiency of the home.
Add Heated De-Icing Cables
A great way to prevent ice dams is to install heated de-icing cables.
These cables are designed specifically to prevent ice from forming on the roof and in the gutter systems.
DIYers or professionals can install these cables by running the cables through the gutters and up to the roof.
Also, it’s imperative to find de-icing cables specifically made for roof and gutter installation.
Additionally, the DIYer must work carefully to avoid damaging the cables when raking snow off the roof.
Most homeowners benefit from hiring professionals to melt ice dams with steam or physically break up ice dams.
