Roofing Expert Q&A on Ice Dams

Q: What is an Ice Dam?

A:Ice dams are created when melting snow accumulates along the overhang of your property’s roof, leading to a buildup of ice. These dams can cause water to leak into your house, causing damage to the interior, roof, siding and gutters. It is important to address ice dams as soon as possible to prevent any potential harm to your property.

Q: How Does an Ice Dam Form on Your Roof?

A: Ice dams form when there is a buildup of snow on your roof and temperatures rise above freezing. This causes warm air to escape your property, causing snow to melt and re-freeze. Roof shingles are only made for water runoff (not water accumulation), so that water will go under the shingles, and into your property if not taken care of. This can result into a leak or flooding, which can ruin your property’s interior – and be costly to repair.

Q: How to Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof 

A: The simplest preventative measure is to hire a professional roofing contractor, like the team at Inside-Out to rake the snow off of your roof – just 4-6′ from the gutters. Send us a work order to get started at workorders@iocconstruction.com . Prior to winter, it’s good to ensure there is ample insulation in the property’s attic and to clear gutters of debris, which can prevent blockage.

Q: Do Roofing Experts Use Salt to Clear Snow from My Roof?

A: IOC Construction does NOT recommend not throwing salt on your roof shingles because the salt can cause damage to your roof. Instead, we offer other options – such as removing snow with a roof rake and using calcium chloride on the roof line/gutter to help melt ice.

Q: How Can I Vet Roofing Contractors?

When it comes to selecting the right roofing contractor for your project, conducting thorough vetting is paramount to ensure quality results and peace of mind. Start by researching local roofing contractors online, considering factors such as customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials. Look for contractors with a strong track record of customer satisfaction and reliability. Additionally, verify their credentials, including licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage, to guarantee compliance with industry standards and regulations. Request references from past clients to gain insight into their workmanship and professionalism. A trustworthy roofing contractor will offer transparent communication, detailed project proposals, and written warranties for their work. By following these steps, you can confidently vet roofing contractors and make an informed decision that best suits your roofing needs.

Q: What is Roof Rake? 

A: Our team of roofing experts at IOC Construction uses a special tool called a roof rake to safely remove snow from your roof without causing any damage to your property’s roof shingles or gutters. It is specifically designed to clear snow around ice dams and prevent any potential damage. However, it’s important to note that roof rakes are not effective in removing ice, only snow. To remove ice, we use pantyhose filled with calcium chloride and place them on the roof line/gutter system to help melt the ice. After a few days, we return to remove the pantyhose and prevent clogging of the downspouts.

Q: What if I Discover Interior Damage? 

A: We can help you assess the damage and schedule your interior roof repairs after the snow season is over. We’re experts in drywall repair, priming, painting, and replacing roof shingles.