Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams.
Roof leak repair ice dams.
The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof.
A steamer is like a pressure washer except that the water is hot.
Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks.
For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.
Shrubs windowsills cars pets and people.
Dealing with existing ice dams.
If you suspect an ice dam developed on your roof there are things you can do right away to minimize the damage.
Residential and commercial snow removal snow plowing and roof shoveling service.
If you have leakage from an ice dam and can t rake the snow off the roof the best way to get rid of the ice dam is to hire a roofing company to steam it off.
If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.
Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.
If the roof sheathing stays wet it can form mildew and start to rot.
Driveways parking lots side walks etc.
Place a box fan in the attic and direct it at the underside of the roof where water is leaking in.
If the ice dam breaks free it can pull shingles and gutters off with it and it will damage anything it falls on.
See below for a shopp.
Ice dams snow removal roof shovel and ice dam leak repairs.
It melts the ice away without damaging the roofing.
Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.
The cold air will freeze the water.
If an ice dam has formed here are immediate steps you can take to help prevent further damage.
Dealing with an existing ice dam and preventing one in the first place.
Call us today for roof snow removal and all of your properties snow plowing and removal needs.
If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.
Too much snow on a roof that s overheated because warm air is leaking into your attic.
Isolate areas when you run the hose.
How can you deal with an ice dam.
Heat cable doesn t fix the root cause of the problem.
5 steps to handling ice dam damage.
There are two avenues of attack.