Dealing With and Preventing Ice Dams

An ice dam forms when heat escaping the house melts snow on the upper roof, the water runs down to the cold eave and refreezes. The ridge of ice then backs water up under the shingles and into the house.

If you have one now

Do not chip at it with a hammer or pour hot water on it; both damage shingles. A roof rake can pull snow off the lower few feet from the ground. Calcium chloride in a fabric sock laid across the dam can open a channel. If water is coming inside, call for help.

Fixing the cause

Ice dams are an attic problem more than a roof problem. Air-seal the ceiling, add insulation to the attic floor and make sure soffit intake and ridge exhaust vents are open and working. A cold roof deck does not melt snow.

Heat tape

Self-regulating heat cable along the eaves and in gutters is a practical fix for roofs with valleys or geometry that will always collect ice. It manages the symptom well when the cause cannot be fully corrected.

Ice and water barrier

When the roof is replaced, an ice and water membrane along the eaves and valleys keeps backed-up water out of the house even if a dam forms. It is standard on every Brown Roofing replacement.

Not sure what your roof needs? Call Brown Roofing at (816) 322-2600 for a free inspection.