Although this is primarily a Massachusetts Auto Insurance Blog, many of our visitors are also home or condominium owners.
It is important to talk about a very troubling problem: Ice Dams.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof or gutter, & when melting occurs, water backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. The water can then leak into your home causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
Removing Ice Dams –
Removing ice dams can be hazardous work if not done properly. Never walk on a snow or ice covered roof. If using a ladder, follow the proper safety procedures. We recommend contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.
First remove snow and ice from the roof, chip away a channel so the water will be able to flow through, be careful not to chip away at the roof. It’s not necessary to remove all of the ice, some will melt when the temperatures rise.
How to Prevent Ice Dams –
Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams.