Ice Dam - what to do if you have one and what is it?

What is an ice dam? an accumulation of frozen water in the gutter system and at the roof edge that prevents subsequent drainage of melting snow from leaving the roof/gutter system. With the amount of snow we have had in North Dakota as well as the thawing and re-freezing of accumulated snow makes it a problem. With the warmer temperatures the thawing may cause interior damage if the ice dam has not been removed. It is a good idea to visually inspect your roof along the gutter line for buildup of snow and ice. Remember to be very careful when trying to remove and ice dam, too much force can cause damage to your shingles and even your gutters. If the ice and snow are not removed, it can cause water to migrate up under your shingles and allow for water to seep into your attic. If your attic has too much moisture in it there is a chance for your ceilings to become damaged and mold to form if not properly dried out.

How to Remove an Ice Dam

If you are unsure as to where to begin here are a few tips on what to look for. If you do see signs that lean towards an ice dam there are many ways to prevent further damage.

• Warm weather makes for a fast melt and any blockage in your gutter system will allow for a buildup of water. Removed and obstructions by hand and if they are still freezing use warm water to loosen the frozen areas.

• Monitor the melt, make sure that the melted area is allowing for excess snow on your roof to melt and filter down into the gutters without any blockage to prevent a future ice dam once temperatures freeze again.

• Do not do it alone it is always best to have another person help with the removal of the ice dam. Especially with the warm weather the melt ontop of the ice can make for very slippery surfaces on your roof.

• If you are unsure how to or unable to always call on a trusted team to help with the removal so you do not put yourself in a dangerous position.

Interior damage caused by an Ice Dam

If you are noticing any ceiling yellowing or spots on the interior perimeter of your home that is a good indication that an ice dam may have caused water to migrate into your attic. The best way to prevent more damage is to inspect your attic for any wet areas. If you do find moisture, getting air circulating is the best way to minimize any water damage. Remember to be careful while you are in your attic because if there is a lot of moisture the integrity of the drywall on the ceiling below may be soft and you do not want to put any pressure on the ceiling below. Make sure to be careful where you are walking when inspecting.

How to tell how much damage you have?

If you have found the damage to be too extreme to handle and you are unsure of what is wet and what is not, the best thing to do is use a infrared moisture meter to show what areas of your celling are wet. If you do not have something that can tell you moisture levels it would be a good idea to contact a restoration contractor to come out and do a reading, they can give you an idea on damages as well as an accurate indication of how much and where your moisture is without removing sheetrock. This can be done for a minimal fee.