Ice dams form when warm air meets cold outside temperatures. They appear on the outer corners of roofs when ice begins to melt and run down the edge of a roof, but then re-freezes in place and creates an ice dam that blocks water from draining off or evaporating due to the warmth inside a home.

While this may be common during winter, it can also cause serious problems for homeowners such as flooding, leakage through ceilings, ice buildups, and frosted windows. However, it would help if you considered some effective tips to prevent ice dams from forming.

#1 Tip To Prevent Ice Dams On Your Roof

 Use Heated Cables

One of the most reliable methods for preventing ice dams is to use heated cables or heat tape for roofs. Heated cables attached to the roof’s edge in a zigzag pattern with clips prevent ice dams from forming because they heat and melt the ice before it turns into a dangerous icicle. 

Now, If you are in a situation in which an ice dam has already formed on your roof, here are some hacks you can use do to fix your problem:

#1 Blow Cold Air With A Fan

Once you identify that water is leaking with the potential of forming an ice dam, you could take a box fan into the attic and direct it toward the roof’s underside to blow where the water is leaking. The chilly air will stop the leak in minutes.

#2 Use An Ice Rake

A simple way to remove ice dams from your roof is by removing them with a shovel or an ice rake. This can be done by pushing ice away from the edges of your roof.

#3 Use Calcium Chloride

A hack that works well at melting them is to use an old pair of pantyhose and fill them with calcium chloride ice melter. This is placed on the roof above the ice dam, and the calcium chloride will melt the snow and allow the water to flow freely.

A Permanent Fix.

Eliminating ice dams for good is as simple as keeping the entire roof at the same temperature as the eaves. You can achieve this by boosting ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off any air leaks that could warm the roof’s bottom.

Professional Gutter De-Icing In Minneapolis

Wayne’s Home Service offers ice dam removal in Minnesota for those looking for reliable and cost-effective de-icing solutions. Our services include the installation of heat tape for roofs in Minneapolis, among others.

If you are experiencing ice dam damage, call Wayne’s Home Service to keep your roof ice-free this winter! Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your home in perfect condition this winter!
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