What's an Ice Dam?
What is an 'ice dam'? It's a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. When water backs up behind the dam, it can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
- For the short term, remove snow from your roof. A roof rake and push broom can be used to remove the snow. However, performing this work can be dangerous, so it's best left to the professionals.
- Over the long term, increase your ceiling / roof insulation to cut down on heat loss (a primary culprit of ice dams). Ensure your ceiling is air- tight so no warm air flows from the house into the attic space.
