Ice on Your Roof? It Could Become a Dam Problem (Part 2)

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

An ice dam on your roof can cause stained and sagging ceilings, ruined Sheetrock, soggy insulation, warped floors and peeling paint.

Dealing With an Ice Dam

Once you’ve determined that you have a dam problem on your roof, you need to act fast to prevent or minimize water damage. A quick way to halt the damage is to freeze the water that is seeping into your home. Do this by taking a box fan into the attic and aiming it at the underside of the roof where there is an active leak. The stream of cold air should freeze the water in a matter of minutes.

This is, however, a temporary fix only—that water still needs a way off your roof. You can make this happen by physically removing ice and snow from the roof or melting a path for the water to safely drip off the edge of the roof.

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Removing the Ice Dam

With a great deal of caution and care, you can climb a ladder and, using a mallet, gently break pieces of the ice dam off. Do not use a sharp tool, such as an axe—you might cut through your shingles. This is dangerous and risky work and is not recommended.

The preferred method to physically remove ice and snow is to use a snow rake. Standing on the ground, remove snow 3–4 feet back from the gutter. Take care not to damage the roof itself or to pull chunks of snow directly onto yourself!

Another recommended way to treat an ice dam is to create a vertical channel or channels to the gutter to allow the melted water to escape. You’ll need a calcium chloride ice melt product (never rock salt or sodium chloride, which can damage your roof). Fill an old pantyhose leg with the product, tie it off and lay it on the roof with one end near the gutter and the other pointing toward the peak. (You’ll want to cover any shrubbery or plants below to prevent damage from the dripwater.)

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield's Professionals Can Resolve Ice Dams and Repair Resulting Water Damage

Dealing with ice dams on your roof can be risky, both to your personal safety and to your home. A call to SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is the first step to a rapid and professional solution to your problem.

We will quickly and safely remove the ice dam and then thoroughly repair any water damage to your home. We use advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques to restore both your home and your damaged property.

Once the water has been removed, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s professionals reconstruct damaged areas of your home to their pre-water damaged condition—drywall; carpet, tile and flooring; and painting—"Like it never even happened."

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
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We serve Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartland, Enfield, Granby, North Granby, Riverton, Suffield, West Granby, West Hartland and West Suffield, Connecticut.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service

For Water Damage Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785