Ice dams can wreak havoc on a roof and if left unchecked, can allow for water damage inside the home as well. We recently posted about some of the factors behind ice dams, and some of the preventative measures that can be taken, but what can be done once a problem is discovered?
A snow rake can be used to clear snow buildup in potential trouble spots before ice dams form. This approach is dependent on catching the problem early and care should be taken not to damage the roof.
An ice dam can potentially be melted with ice melting chemicals. While this could minimize the ice dam, placing chemicals on your roof has its own risks, including damage to the roof covering, and chemicals running off your roof and impacting animal and plant life.
In some situations, it may become necessary to hire roofing professionals to remove the ice dam. This can be done through heat and steam to melt the ice dam, and can be costly, especially for a recurring problem. Be wary of roofers who use tools like ice picks and hatchets that may damage your roof.
If you have a recurrent ice dam problem, an effective long term management solution can be the installation of heat tracing cable. These cables are installed along the eave where ice dams typically form and provide channels for water from melted ice and snow to flow freely off the roof. There are many cables available for this use, varying in cost, effectiveness, and durability.
In situations where a new roof is being installed, one of the best available measures for managing ice dams is ZMesh. A bronze mesh designed for installation underneath most roofing materials, ZMesh effectively melts ice and snow along the entire roof edge. This provides a clear area for melted ice and snow to run off the roof without freezing.
For more information on Warmquest’s roof deicing products, call for a free consultation with one of our experts at 877-877-4724.
Options for Managing and Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams can wreak havoc on a roof and if left unchecked, can allow for water damage inside the home as well. We recently posted about some of the factors behind ice dams, and some of the preventative measures that can be taken, but what can be done once a problem is discovered?
A snow rake can be used to clear snow buildup in potential trouble spots before ice dams form. This approach is dependent on catching the problem early and care should be taken not to damage the roof.
An ice dam can potentially be melted with ice melting chemicals. While this could minimize the ice dam, placing chemicals on your roof has its own risks, including damage to the roof covering, and chemicals running off your roof and impacting animal and plant life.
In some situations, it may become necessary to hire roofing professionals to remove the ice dam. This can be done through heat and steam to melt the ice dam, and can be costly, especially for a recurring problem. Be wary of roofers who use tools like ice picks and hatchets that may damage your roof.
If you have a recurrent ice dam problem, an effective long term management solution can be the installation of heat tracing cable. These cables are installed along the eave where ice dams typically form and provide channels for water from melted ice and snow to flow freely off the roof. There are many cables available for this use, varying in cost, effectiveness, and durability.
In situations where a new roof is being installed, one of the best available measures for managing ice dams is ZMesh. A bronze mesh designed for installation underneath most roofing materials, ZMesh effectively melts ice and snow along the entire roof edge. This provides a clear area for melted ice and snow to run off the roof without freezing.
For more information on Warmquest’s roof deicing products, call for a free consultation with one of our experts at 877-877-4724.