Ice Dam Prevention Systems: Keeping Your Roof Safe This Winter

As the winter season approaches, it’s important to take steps to prevent ice dams from forming on your home.

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and gutters, so it’s important to be proactive in preventing them. There are a few different methods you can use to prevent ice dams, and we’ll explore some of those options in this blog post.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams can be a severe problem for any roof. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof during cold weather. Ice dams form when heat escapes from the house and melts the snow on the roof. The water then runs down the roof and refreezes at the edge, forming a dam that prevents further melting and runoff. Ice dams can cause serious damage to roofs, shingles, and gutters and lead to leaks and flooding inside the house.

How Ice Dams Can Negatively Impact Your Roof

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof. The weight of the ice can damage shingles, gutters, and other parts of the roof. The water that backs up behind the ice dam can also seep under shingles and cause leaks.

Ice Dam Prevention Systems

There are a few things you can do to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. One of the best things you can do is to make sure your attic is adequately insulated and ventilated. This will help keep the heat in your house from escaping and melting the snow on your roof. You should also make sure that there is no snow or ice buildup on your roof. If you have an ice dam, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Before Winter: Take Action

Before winter arrives, take some time to prepare your home and roof for the colder weather. You can also prevent ice dams during the warmer months by regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts. This will help ensure that water can flow freely and not back up behind an ice dam. Regular roof inspection and maintenance can also help prevent ice dams.

During Winter: Monitor and Remove

If you live in an area where ice dams are a problem, it is important to monitor your roof during the winter. If you see an ice dam forming, take action to remove it as soon as possible. You should contact a professional to remove the ice dam. 

Garlock French Roofing is the premier provider of roofing services in the Greater Minneapolis area. We have over 90 years of experience in the roofing industry and are experts in all types of roofs, including metal roofs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about ice dams or any other roofing issues.