Ice dams are ridges of ice that form on the edges of your roof and block melting snow from draining off your rooftop. Ice dams can cause major damage to your home, including: tearing off rain gutters, loosening shingles, and causing water to back up and drain into your home.
As a homeowner you need to be able to identify ice dams and stop them before they form. Look around your home to see if any icicles have begun to form in your rain gutters. Also, before the storm hits it is important to clean out any loose debris in your home’s rain gutters. Make sure to clear leaves and other objects that may block the escape of water.
When there is snow on your roof the higher temperatures indoors will rise and melt the snow that lays on top of your home. The water then freezes on the edge and the process repeats until there is a buildup, this is an ice dam.
There are a couple steps you can take to prevent the formation of ice dams this winter:
- Add insulation to your attic
- Ventilate eaves and ridge
- Seal and insulate ducts
- Cover your attic hatch
- Add or repair flashing around chimneys
Of course, one of the easiest ways to help prevent ice dams from building up is to knock off ice and snow from your roof throughout the winter by using a telescopic rake or any other tool that can reach your rooftop. Ice dams can be dangerous and expensive, so it is best to prepare and prevent them before they occur.
Entrust Insurance
21719 Harper Ave, Ste. E
St. Clair Shores, MI
(586) 232-5511 
