How ice dams form
For an ice dam to form, we need to get a few inches of snow on the roof. Poor insulation and/or warmer temperatures will cause the majority of the roof to become warmer than 32 degrees and start melting the snow and turning it into water. This water will run down the roof and into the gutters. However, the edge of the roof above the soffits is colder than 32 degrees. The gutters are usually colder than 32 degrees, too. This is where the water becomes frozen, forming a dam along the edge of the roof and completely filling the gutters and downspouts with ice.
What should you do if you have an ice dams?
If you see an ice dam forming on your house, it is imperative that you deal with it quickly. Monitor the interior of the building in the immediate vicinity of the ice dam. If you have water coming in, call an ice dam removal expert, a water damage mitigation contractor, and your insurance company. If there isn’t any water coming in, have a professional remove the snow from the roof above the dam. This will cut off the water supply to the ice dam, and it may melt away without any major problems.
If water starts to enter the house, the ice dam needs to be removed as soon as possible to mitigate the damage to the structure. Call an ice dam removal expert in minneapolis st paul for removal expert to remove the ice dam using low-pressure steam.
If you have an ice dam forming on your house, it’s important to address it promptly. Monitor the area near the ice dam for any signs of water leakage. If water is entering your home, contact an ice dam removal expert, a water damage mitigation contractor, and your insurance company. If there is no water leakage, have a professional clear the snow from the roof above the dam to prevent further water supply and potential problems.
If you have an ice dam forming on your house, it’s important to address it promptly. Monitor the area near the ice dam for any signs of water leakage. If water is entering your home, contact an ice dam removal expert, a water damage mitigation contractor, and your insurance company. If there is no water leakage, have a professional clear the snow from the roof above the dam to prevent further water supply and potential problems.
How we remove ice dams?
We remove ice dams from buildings using low-pressure steam. This allows us to melt the ice dams off of the building without damaging the roof. We send a 2-3-person crew that will perform all aspects of the project. We steam off the ice dam so that the water mitigation people can begin their work. We remove snow from above the ice dam; if the snow is not removed from above the ice dam, it will likely form again in a short period of time. We make sure that the water generated during the steaming process is properly diverted to an area where it will not cause damage.
Warnings and disclaimers
Only trained professionals should perform these tasks! Falling from a roof or ladder can be fatal! Roofs are inherently dangerous. Roofs covered in snow and ice are even more dangerous. Only trained professionals with the proper training and safety equipment should perform these tasks. Do not try to pry or break the ice dam; you will do major damage to the roof!
If you have any concerns about your trees on your property and are located in the Twin Cities metro area, please contact Urban Tree and Landscape today at (612) 532-9996 to schedule an appointment.
Internal Links:
- Urban Tree and Landscape Homepage – https://utrees.com/
- Tree Trimming and Pruning Services – https://utrees.com/services/tree-trimming-and-pruning/
External Links:
- Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) – https://www.tcia.org/
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – https://www.isa-arbor.com/