Removing An Ice Dam From Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you've stepped outside this week, even if just for a minute, then you know how cold it's been. And with snow in our past and more dropping in this morning, it's possible that icy weather conditions could take a toll on our homes in the near future.

In a previous blog, we offered a few tips to help you prevent an ice dam from forming on your roof. Since these damaging circumstances result from melted snow on your roof that has frozen over again due to abnormally low temperatures, now is the time when you need to be on the look out for signs that suggest one is forming. But just in case you don't get there in time to stop it in its tracks, we've put together a few strategies you can use to remove it before water starts to seep into your home:

1. Roof Rake: Just like roof rakes come in handy to help prevent ice dams from forming, they can also be used to get rid of them. In order to eliminate an ice dam from your home, try knocking it off (carefully, of course) using this tool.
2. Calcium Chloride/Ice Melt: Apply calcium chloride or a similar ice melt (but not rock salt!) to the ice dam in order to speed up the melting process. One trick that you may consider is placing the calcium chloride into a nylon stocking first rather than putting it directly on the ice dam.
3. Hiring A Roofing Contractor: If the ice dam on your roof is out of reach or too difficult to remove yourself, contact a professional for help! Asking a licensed contractor to assist with the problem is the best way to keep both you and your roof safe!

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we know how intimidating it can be to discover your roof has been compromised due to harsh winter weather. That's why we're here to help! If you're left with damage at any point during the season, help us help you by contacting our team at (203) 838-4545. Or, visit us on our website to learn more about our commercial and residential roofing services!

How To Prevent Ice Dams From Forming On Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Throughout the winter season, one of the most troublesome problems that can occur on a roof is the formation of an ice dam. By nature, ice dams are the result of an ice build up on your roof, and are a leading cause of water damage in the home or building whose roof possesses one. Since the potential for damage is so high when ice dams are present, taking preventative measures to stop them from forming is essential.

Thanks to This Old House, we've uncovered three steps you must take in order to prevent an ice dam from forming on your roof this winter; see below.

1. Ventilate: Having eaves and ridges that are properly ventilated is one of the best ways to stop ice dams from forming. Since you need the roof to be the same temperature as the eaves, it is important to make sure that the right kind of ventilation system is installed.

2. Insulate: Before the start of the season, make sure that your attic is thoroughly insulated, especially on the floor. Doing so will help keep the heat in your home where it is needed and will prevent it from seeping through your soffit.

3. Cover the Hatch: Attic hatches or house fans that are not properly covered are one of the most common places where heat escapes from the home. Similar to the process of insulating, make sure your hatch is covered with adequate materials so that heat is kept inside.

Here at Phil's Main Roofing, we want you to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming winter weather. That's why we offer a variety of preventive maintenance programs to help you get through every season! For more information on how we can help you prepare, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

Preventing and Tending to Ice Dams: A How-To

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

With the weekend forecast calling for potential snow accumulations, it's important to recognize if and when your roof might be in trouble. Ice dams are one of the most damaging weather-related issues and are a direct result of high levels of snow buildup on the roof, so why not try to prevent them while you can? By taking these precautions, your roof (and your attic) could be ice dam free!

1. Don't heat the roof: To prevent an ice dam, keep your roof cold. This way, the snow on your roof will eventually dissipate without leaving too much water behind. Try your best to keep the underside of your roof deck under 30 degrees. 
2. Properly insulate: To maintain low temperatures, there must be adequate insulation and sealing gaps that let warm air pass into the attic from the house. Insulate the areas between the roof rafters, but keep a pathway between the roof deck and insulation to prevent condensation.
3. Ventilate your attic: When your attic is ventilated, cold air is introduced into it and heated air escapes quickly. Some contractors believe that heat passing through the attic helps prevent ice dams, but quite the opposite is true. While heat will melt the snow, once the water reaches the cold eves it freezes and forms an ice dam.

Homes with ice dams on the roof are often left with shadow lines, which are dark lines of moisture that appear on the ceiling. To remove the lines, clean off the mildew with a solution of 1 quart of bleach and 3 quarts of warm water, then rinse with clear water and let it dry. If it appears that the surface is stained, you will need to do some repainting.

Instead of taking a risk this winter, call Phil's Main Roofing and help us help you! Our team of roofing experts can prepare your home to withstand all circumstances, and with our repair and preventative maintenance programs, your roof will be ready to bear a storm in no time.

Call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your free estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com.