Ice Dams and Snow Removal Services

So What Exactly Causes Ice Dams and Icicles?

Ice dams form along the roof's edge, usually above the overhang. Here's why. Heat and warm air leaking from the living space below melt the snow, which trickles down to the colder edge of the roof (above the eaves) and refreezes. Every inch of snow that accumulates on the roof insulates the roof deck a little more. This keeps more heat in the attic, which in turn makes the roof even warmer and melts more snow. Frigid outdoor temperatures ensure a fast and deep freeze at the eaves. One of the first signs to look for is hanging icicles forming at your roofing eves. The worst ice dams usually occur when a deep snow is followed by very cold weather.

Temporary Solution to the Problem

Step 1. Using a roof rake, remove snow 3-4 feet from the edge of your roof, being careful not to damage the roof covering or to allow snow to build up around walking paths or to block emergency exits. Thereby fully exposing the ice dam and allowing sunlight to help heat up and weaken your roof ice.

Step 2. To finish removing ice dams; is to melt it using calcium chloride ice melt, thereby restoring the proper water shedding function of your homes roof or gutters.

Hire Team Vinyl and Roofing Co. professionals to clear your edges a minimum of 3-4 ft every large snowstorm if possible. This will prevent ice damming until you can solve the problem with more permanent solutions we discuss below. The theory is obvious. No snow or ice, no leaking water.

The worst of all solutions is untrained and inexperienced people chipping ice by attacking mounds of roof ice with ice picks, crowbars, and chain saws! Unfortunately, this method threatens life, limb, and roof.