Ice dams are the main culprits which affect the structural integrity of a roof. You need to keep your roof safe if you really want to make it last longer. Also, you must keep yourself updated and informed of different ways and tricks which can help prevent ice dam damage.
Here are a few tips or ways mentioned to help you keep your roof safe from the damages caused by ice dams.
- Roof Rake
You can use a roof rake to keep the ice and snow off your roof. You can do the cleaning yourself on a regular basis to make sure that ice and snow don’t start to accumulate on your roof.
If you have a single-story home, it would be comparatively easier to remove the ice dams from the rake. However, for a double story home, you would either have to take extra protection or help from an expert.
- Insulation
You can also prevent the ice dam damage by improving the insulation of your attic ventilation and ceiling. It would help make a huge difference if you fill the gaps in the insulation properly.
However, you would require the help of any of the renowned professional roofing contractors to get done with this task effectively.
- Heat Cables
It is one of the easiest ways of keeping your roof safe from ice dam and its significant damages. You can install heat cables on your roof yourself.
The cost of the cables would depend on the size and area of your roof. You can buy the required heat cables in the form of kits. Also, you would need the right tools to get this job done.
- Warm Water
You can also spray warm water on your roof to make sure that the ice dams get melted. This method proves to be really effective if you have some spots on your roof which are problematic. But to cover the entire area of your roof, you might have to try another trick or way.
- Add Sealants
You can add sealants to the places where there are gaps, especially around ventilation and chimney. It would help prevent the air or dust from passing through those gaps.
Also, the moisture and condensation issue would be somehow eliminated which can lead to the formation of ice dams.
- Exhaust System
You can install the exhaust system above your roof to melt the ice. If you live in the areas where the chances of ice and snow are higher, you need to extend or upgrade your existing exhaust system to make sure that it serves the purpose of preventing your roof from ice dam damage.
- Make Channels
You can also make channels through the ice dams on your roof which would allow the water to drain off the roof. However, it is a temporary solution and you might need a permanent one to prevent the ice dam damage in the long run.
