Ice dams might look pretty, but they can pose severe risks to your home. Without proper removal and preventative measures, you could end up facing gutter and shingle damage or significant water leakage. Here is a brief guide to these frozen obstacles, including how to safely remove one and when you should call to schedule roof repairs. 

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a solid ridge of ice that forms along the eaves of your roof. This mass of ice blocks lifts your shingles and blocks water from properly draining off of your roof when the snow melts. As a result, that water can end up pouring into your house. Once a leak has occurred, mold, mildew, and warping become a reality for whichever surfaces have been affected, whether that be your attic insulation or your hardwood floors.

How Do You Remove One?

Once an ice dam has built up enough for you to notice it, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. While you can try to temporarily remove the dam yourself, note that it can still form again. Pointing a box fan at the point of the leak from inside the attic is one way to freeze the leak until you can schedule a roof repair. 

Gently clearing the ice and snow with a roof rake is a possibility. However, keep in mind that you should not, under any circumstances, attempt to stand on an icy roof or ladder or to chip off ice attached to your shingles. The risk of damage to yourself and your roof is too high.

Once an ice dam has been removed, it's time to install preventative measures before next winter. Some viable options include having heated cables installed on your roof to melt ice, adding more ventilation to circulate cold air under your roof, and installing more insulation. A roofing contractor will evaluate the situation and recommend the best solution for your specific roof. 

If you need help removing or preventing ice dams on your roof, you can count on Pyramid Roofing Inc in Ohama, NE. These roof repair experts have served homeowners throughout the area for nearly 25 years. They provide quality, promptly completed work at reasonable prices. Call (402)502-9300 for a free estimate.