Ice Dams 101: The Silent Winter Roof Killer
Living in New England, we all appreciate the beauty of a fresh snowfall on a brownstone or a suburban colonial. But for us roofers, that snow signals a potential threat: Ice Dams.
If you see massive icicles hanging from your gutters, it’s not just a decoration; it’s a symptom of a "hot roof" battling a cold Boston winter. As your local roofing experts, we want to explain exactly what is happening up there and how to protect your investment.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
The Science: The "Hot Attic" Problem
Ice dams don't happen because of the snow; they happen because of the heat.
Heat Escapes: Warm air from your living space leaks into the attic.
Snow Melts: That heat warms the wood deck of your roof, melting the snow from underneath.
Water Runs: The melted water runs down to the eaves (the roof edge).
Refreezing: Since the eaves overhang the house, they aren't exposed to the attic heat. They are freezing cold. The water hits this cold zone, freezes solid, and builds a dam.
Immediate Fixes (And What NOT To Do)
If you already have a dam causing leaks, you need to act fast, but safely.
DON'T use a hammer: We see this every year. Homeowners chipping away at ice often put holes right through their shingles.
DON'T use rock salt: Standard salt can damage your shingles and kill the plants below your gutter when it runs off.
DO use a roof rake: If you can safely reach from the ground, raking the snow off the first 3–4 feet of the roof takes away the fuel source for the dam.
DO call a professional: For severe dams, we use steam removal—the only safe way to melt the ice without cutting the roof.
The Permanent Solution: The "Cold Roof"
To stop ice dams forever, we don't just look at the shingles; we look at the system.
Ventilation: Ensuring your soffit and ridge vents are clear so cold air flushes through the attic.
Insulation: keeping the heat in the living room, not the attic.
Worried about those icicles? Don't wait for the leak. Call Peak Quality Roofing at (781)-650-7458 for a winter inspection
