This is the worst winter that we have seen in years with ice dams due of the amount of snow and cold temperatures we are experiencing.

Why is water coming into your house and what is a snow dam?  The problem starts with poor attic insulation and ventilation. That allows heat to escape and turn the bottom layer of rooftop snow into water that slides to the edges of roofs and refreezes, forming a layer of ice.  As the snow continues to melt, the ice stacks up until a blockage forms. Having nowhere else to go, the water backs up under the shingles and can leak into the house.

 

The ice dams can destroy roofs and gutters. They also can stain walls and cause ceilings to collapse.

What should you do if your roof is damming?  Call a Professional Roofing Company, do NOT try to remove the ice & snow yourself.  McCollum Roofing & Siding will come to evaluate the issue and/or damage.  We will then remove the ice/snow from the gutters & roof.

What can you do to prevent this as much as possible in the future?  Pay attention to the humidity levels in your home.  Many people like to turn up the humidity during the winter, which can cause moisture, and in some cases mold, to accumulate on the roof. High humidity levels can also cause ice to build up inside electrical panels.  Make sure your home is properly ventilated.

Homeowners should not try to break the ice dam for safety reasons. Poking at the roof with sharp objects could create holes in the roofing system.