It prevents the build-up of dams before it becomes a major problem. Raking snow and ice on a roof automatically changes the exterior temperature. Roof rakes that feature wheels are the best option because it won’t damage the shingles. The long handle allows you to safely address the issue from the ground.

Long-handled aluminum roof rakes are specifically designed for removing clutter from the roof and gutters. If you want to use a hand tool to try and break up a dam, the best tool is a rake. It’s actually a bad idea to try this removal practice as its hard on the roof, might cause more damage, and also poses a safety hazard for you. Unfortunately, the first method that homeowners tend to rely on when it comes to removing ice dams from the gutters is by picking at the ice with a chisel or hammer. Here are the 5 ways to get rid of ice dams from gutters. Therefore, you should take steps to prevent ice dams from building on your gutters. Icicles can break off parts of your gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to leak into the interior.

Though ice dams can look picturesque with dangling icicles, it’s actually hard on your home. Ice dams on gutters result from melting snow over a heated building reaching the eave and freezing. Learn more about removing snow from your roof.5 Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams from GuttersĪn ice dam is defined as a build-up of ice that gathers on the eaves of sloped roofs. We have recommended some key articles to help you stay safe during the winter season. Stay Prepared: Removing ice dams is an important part of preparing for winter. This acts as an extra barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building. When replacing a roof, make sure to install a water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles. Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures. Make sure your attic is well insulated to help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form. Consider hiring a contractor to remove the ice dam. If you cannot safely reach the roof, avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. Also, be aware that shrubbery and plants near the gutters or downspouts may be damaged. If you try this, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt, and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. Stains and moisture may indicate that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane. Check for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the upper-most floor of your house.If you cannot safely reach them from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help. Nonetheless, icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off, so try to safely knock them down while standing on the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If they are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, then an ice dam has likely not formed. Look carefully at the icicles around the exterior of your house.This can help prevent standing water from collecting near the gutter downspout. An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. But a good rule to keep in mind is if more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice has accumulated on your roof, you should have it removed. The amount of snow and ice your roof can support will depend on a number of factors, including the roof type and the age and condition of the structure. In addition to helping prevent an ice dam from forming, this will lessen the stress on your home’s roof. To begin with, use a roof rake to clear snow from the edge of your roof upwards of three to four feet immediately after each storm. Remove snow from your roof after every storm.How to Help Prevent an Ice Dam from Forming This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home. Without roof snow removal, an ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. Ice dams can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. You can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and inside of your home by minimizing the likelihood that an ice dam will develop, and by removing one as soon as you spot it.

Getting rid of ice dams