Preventing Ice Dams

Preventing Ice Dams

From low-tech prevention to advanced systems, there are various solutions to avoiding ice dams.

Do-it-yourself snow removal. If you have a low roof you can reach from the ground, consider purchasing an ice rake to remove fresh snow from the first few feet (from the edges toward the top) of your roof’s surface after every storm. Ice rakes are long (approximately 20 feet), very lightweight tools that allow you to pull snow off the roof while you are safely on the ground and well away from the area in which the snow will fall. They are usually available in hardware stores and online.

Be mindful to ensure there is a path for meltwater to flow off the roof so that it does not enter the home in another area. Always use caution to ensure you are not injured when you remove snow.

Snow removal services. If your roof is simply too high, or inaccessible from the ground, or circumstances make removing roof snow yourself unfeasible, contact a snow removal service. Note, though, that fees commonly run about $300 to $600 per hour and some companies require a a two-hour minimum before accepting the job. It's a good idea to identify potential providers early and get several quotes.

Roof-mounted heating cables. Consult a professional to find out about installing specialty heating cables. These cables are generally installed in a zig-zag pattern along the eaves of the roof and prevent ice dams from forming.

Ice-dam resistant roof panels. Professionally mounted, heated panels shaped to maximize runoff and prevent ice from forming may be a good solution for some homes.

Optimizing insulation and ventilation. Do some research about attic ventilation to see if you should make changes. Heat build-up will contribute to ice dams no matter how good your insulation is and usually carries excess moisture, contributing to even more problems. Determine what the optimum insulation is for your area and check it against what you currently have and consider making adjustments if necessary.