Safe Roof Snow Removal: Prevent Ice Dams and Damage

Posted by Marcos Bicalho

in Roofing

Safe Roof Snow Removal: Prevent Ice Dams and Damage

With the winter months upon us in New England, we never know what weather lies ahead. Winter brings picturesque snow-covered rooftops, but that beauty can hide a serious threat: ice dams and heavy snow buildup. These issues can lead to leaks, structural damage, and expensive repairs if not addressed properly. Here’s what you need to know to safely handle roof snow removal and protect your home.

Why Remove Snow From Your Roof?

Anytime it snows, it is wise to clear the snow off your roof from the edge (the gutters or eaves) to about three feet up the roof. Doing this after each storm can help to:

  1. Prevent Ice Dams: Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at your roof’s edge, causing water to back up under shingles. This can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.
  2. Reduce Weight: Heavy snow puts stress on your roof, increasing the risk of structural damage or collapse.

You should never let more than a foot of snow and ice to accumulate on a roof. More than this will run the risk of structural damage. Different roofs can support different amounts of snow depending on several factors, including what type of roof it is, how old it is and how solid is the structure. However, clearing off your roof when snow reaches one foot of accumulation is a good guideline.

Why Do Ice Dams Form?

Ice dams are produced when there is a heavy snowfall and your home is not properly insulated. Without proper insulation, hot air from indoor living spaces escape through the roof. This makes the roof warm and melts the snow that has accumulated. As the water melts and runs down the roof, the low outdoor temperature freezes the water along the edge of the roof, creating ice dams. Although icicles are often beautiful to look at, they can cause severe water damage if not removed.

Roof Snow Removal

In all cases, removing the snow will remove the source of potential ice dams.

  • Flat Roof: If a roof is flat and accessible from an interior, use a heavy duty push broom with stiff bristles to brush off the snow. Never use a shovel or snow blower to remove the snow since they may tear up the roof cover system.
  • Sloped Roof: If you have a sloped roof, a roof rake is recommended for most single story buildings. This is the safest way a homeowner can help prevent ice dams because you remain on the ground while pulling snow down the roof slope. Do not pull snow back against the slope or sideways since the snow may get underneath the cover and can break shingles.

Having your home ready for a snowy winter can help you avoid the costly damage as a result of ice dams. If you are not sure how your home will withstand the elements, call a professional roofing company for an assessment. They can point out problem areas that can be taken care of now, preventing issues that could damage your home or yourself!

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Keep Your Roof Deck Cool

Keeping your roof and attic cold is key to preventing ice dams. When your roof stays cold, snow gradually dissipates without creating excessive meltwater.

The underside of your roof deck should stay below 30°F. Achieve this by:

  • Sealing Gaps: Block any gaps that allow warm air from your house to escape into the attic.
  • Adding Insulation: Ensure adequate insulation in your attic to maintain low temperatures.

Ventilate Your Attic

Proper ventilation is crucial. Introduce cold air into the attic and allow warm air to escape quickly. Misconceptions about attic heat helping to prevent ice dams persist, but the opposite is true. Warm air melting snow can lead to refreezing at the eaves, creating ice dams.

Improve Ventilation

If gable and ridge vents don’t provide enough airflow, consider:

  • Installing a motorized vent at one end of the attic to expel heat.
  • Adding a properly sized vent on the opposite side to draw in cold air.

By combining insulation and ventilation, you can keep your roof cold, prevent ice dams, and protect your home from costly damage.

Special Considerations for Furnaces in the Attic

If your attic contains a furnace, preventing ice dams may be more challenging. However, insulation can still help:

  1. Insulate Between Rafters: Use polystyrene rafter air channels to maintain an air gap between the roof deck and insulation. This prevents condensation that can damage your roof.
  2. Insulate Heating Ducts: Lay unfaced insulation batts or blankets over the furnace’s ducts to reduce attic heat buildup.
  3. Seal Hatchways: Cover attic access hatches with rigid polystyrene insulation for better heat retention in living spaces.

Stay Proactive

Regular maintenance, such as clearing gutters and sealing air leaks in your attic, can prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. Adding insulation can also keep warm air from escaping and melting the snow on your roof.

If you notice excessive snow buildup or already have an ice dam forming, it’s best to call a professional. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove snow and prevent further damage. Contact us today for safe, efficient roof snow removal services. We’re here to keep your roof (and your home) safe this winter.

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