Roofing North Liberty

ROOFING NORTH LIBERTY

How to Prevent the Buildup of Ice and Protect Your Roof

One of the most damaging effects to roofing North Liberty homes encounter is due to ice dams. North Liberty often has horrible ice storms that blow through causing ice build-up that can easily cause significant damage and may even completely devastate the roof of your home.
Signs of an Ice Dam
If you see icicles hanging from the gutters or edge of your roof and a pile of ice directly above the edge of the roof, you probably have an ice dam. Ice dams prevent the water from melting snow from properly draining off of your roof. These dams can cause pools of water that may eventually seep into your home, damaging ceilings, walls and other interior as well as exterior structural areas. Damages that roofing North Liberty homes encounter from ice dams can be quite significant as well as expensive to repair.

Remove and Prevent Ice Dams

To prevent the buildup of ice and reduce the risk of severe damages to the roofing North Liberty homeowners should take the following steps:
  • Use a roof rake and/or a push broom to immediately remove the snow and ice from the roof. As soon as the snow or ice storm is over, use a roof rake and/or push broom to pull the snow off of the roof by pulling the snow in the direction of the roof’s slope. Do not pull in the direction away from the slope as it can cause damage to the shingles and other features, such as the ventilation.
  • Locate and remove ice dams. Carefully chip at the ice dam to create an open channel for the water to flow through. Be extremely careful when chipping at the ice and stop before you reach the roofing materials. If you have difficulties creating a channel due to thick ice, you can also attach a water hose to your homes hot water heater or faucet and use the hot water to melt away the ice as needed. If the ice buildup is not excessively thick, using Ice Melt or salt will help to remove the ice from the gutters.
  • To prevent ice dams from occurring and damaging the roofing North Liberty homeowners should be diligent in keeping the gutters clean and free from debris. It is highly recommended that you thoroughly clean the gutters at the end of fall. Remove all leaves, dirt and debris that may cause clogs and ultimately lead to ice dams. After removing the debris, use a garden hose to run water through the gutter and downspout to ensure there are no unseen clogs and to remove any buildup of debris.
Sometimes ice dams and other issues with the roof can seem overwhelming. One of the easiest, most effective ways to avoid the risk of ice dams is to have routine roofing inspections and maintenance services for your roof. Keep in mind that removing as well as preventing ice dams involves climbing a ladder and possibly getting on the roof, so if you are uncomfortable with this contact a professional that can do the task for you. Also remember safety first, especially when you are working on a snow covered roof. Be sure to wear the appropriate clothing when working outside to remove ice dams, such as skid resistant boots and insulated gloves.
At BW Construction we understand the overwhelming feelings you may experience when it comes to roofing problems. You can contact our roofing experts to quickly diagnose your roofing issues and find a solution that fits your specific needs.
Share by: