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Ice dams may be beautiful to look at, but they’re also destructive. However, what’s even more dangerous is removing them using a wrong technique or tool, or hiring unauthorized handymen or inexperienced workers. If done incorrectly, ice dam removal can damage your home and lead to costly repairs.
At ReNew Roofing, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners get a safe and durable roof by sharing our professional knowledge and expertise. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of removing ice dams and the correct ways to do so. After reading, you’ll feel confident and ready to start the project.
The Importance Of Removing Ice Dams
Let’s understand why getting rid of ice dams properly is important and why you should do it before it’s too late.
Structural Integrity
Ice dams, left unchecked, exert immense pressure on your roof’s structure. The weight of accumulated ice can compromise the load bearing capacity of your roof, leading to sagging and, in extreme cases, structural failure. By removing the ice before it’s too late, you safeguard the wooden framework of your home.
Water Damage Prevention
Perhaps the most immediate threat posed by ice dams is water infiltration. As these icy barriers obstruct the natural flow of melting snow, water finds alternative pathways off the roof by seeping into your home. This infiltration can result in damaging leaks, water stains on ceilings and walls, and potential harm to your possessions.
Mold and Mildew Mitigation
The damp conditions created by water seeping through the roofing materials provides an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. These microorganisms not only pose health risks but can also jeopardize the structural integrity of your home. Removing ice dams immediately will help prevent the growth of potentially harmful mold and mildew.
Preservation of Insulation
Ice dams can compromise the insulation within your home. When water infiltrates your living space, it can saturate insulation materials, reducing their effectiveness. Proper removal ensures the preservation of insulation, maintaining energy efficiency and preventing the need for costly replacements.
Avoid Costly Repairs
Ignoring ice dams can lead to a cascade of issues, each requiring its own set of repairs. From fixing structural damage to addressing waterlogged insulation and building materials, the cumulative cost of neglect can be substantial. Timely removal is a proactive measure that can save you from the financial burden of extensive repairs.
Getting rid of ice dams yourself may seem manageable and affordable, but it comes with inherent risks that could potentially exacerbate the problem.
The Dangers Of Removing Ice Dams Yourself
Here are key dangers associated with DIY methods to remove ice dams:
Safety Concerns
Taking down ice dams often involves either climbing onto your roof or using a roof rake or ice melting product. Each option can be harmful to you and your roofing materials. If you choose to ascend to your roof, remember that icy surfaces are very slippery and it’s dangerous to climb up without proper gear and safety equipment.
Potential For Further Damage
While the intention is to remove those big ice dams, DIY methods may inadvertently cause damage to your roof. Using sharp tools or applying excessive force can harm the roofing materials, leading to leaks, shingle damage, or even structural issues. What begins as an affordable solution can quickly escalate into other costly problems.
Ineffective Removal
Handyman methods, such as using rakes or hammers, may not effectively handle the root cause of ice dams. Incomplete work can leave behind pockets of ice, allowing the problem to persist. Without the proper tools and techniques, your efforts might provide only temporary relief.
Lack Of Documentation For Insurance Claims
The lack of professional documentation of ice dams, removal work, and a roof condition report may complicate the insurance claims process. Insurance providers often require detailed records of the problem and the removal process, something professionals routinely provide.
Choosing professional services for ice dam removal has a multitude of advantages, ensuring a comprehensive solution to this winter woe.
The Need For Professional Ice Dam Removal Services
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect when professionals come to remove ice dams from your property:
Thorough Roof Assessment
Professional removal begins with a meticulous assessment of the situation. Certified contractors possess the expertise to identify the extent of the ice dams, assess potential damage, and formulate a targeted removal plan. This initial step ensures that the removal process is tailored to your specific needs.
Advanced Equipment And Techniques
Professionals come armed with specialized equipment and advanced techniques designed for efficient and damage free ice dam removal. From steamers that delicately melt ice to roof-friendly tools, their arsenal allows for precise removal without compromising the integrity of your roof.
Minimized Risk Of Damage
One of the primary concerns with DIY ice dam removal is the potential for accidental damage to your roof. Professionals, through years of experience, navigate the removal process with precision, minimizing the risk of unintended harm. This expertise ensures that your roof remains intact and unscathed.
Long Term Prevention Strategies
Beyond immediate removal, professionals often provide insights into long term prevention strategies. This may include recommendations for improved insulation, ventilation adjustments, or other measures to reduce the likelihood of future ice dam formation. Their expertise extends beyond removal, aiming to safeguard your home against recurring issues.
Efficient Removal
Professional services to remove ice dams are not only practical but also efficient. Trained technicians can swiftly address the issue, saving you valuable time and minimizing disruptions to your daily life. This timely intervention is crucial, especially when faced with the urgency of preventing further damage during the winter months.
Documentation For Insurance Claims
In cases where ice dams have already caused damage, professional removal services often provide detailed documentation of the process. This documentation can be valuable when filing insurance claims, ensuring a smoother and more substantiated process for potential reimbursement.
Safe Working Practices
Certified contractors adhere to strict safety protocols during the removal process. Equipped with the necessary safety gear and experience, professionals ensure that the removal is not only effective but also conducted without endangering the well being of those involved.
Peace Of Mind
Entrusting the removal of ice dams to professionals provides peace of mind. Knowing that trained experts are handling the situation instills confidence that the issue is being addressed comprehensively, from assessment to removal and prevention.
Now, let’s look at the methods professional roofing contractors use to remove ice dams from roofs.
Professional Techniques To Remove Ice Dams From Roofs
Professionals employ specialized tools designed to remove ice without compromising the integrity of your roof. These tools are crafted with roofing materials in mind, minimizing the risk of unintended damage during the removal process.
Steam Technology
Certified contractors often utilize steamers that delicately melt the ice without causing damage to roofing materials. The controlled application of steam allows for precise removal, ensuring a thorough solution to the ice dam problem.
High Pressure Hot Water Systems
Some professionals opt for high pressure hot water systems that effectively melt ice dams. This method is not only efficient but also minimizes the use of potentially damaging tools.
Chemical Deicers
Certified technicians may use specific chemical deicers that are safe for your roof while effectively melting ice dams. These products are chosen with careful consideration for the environment, ensuring a responsible approach to ice dam removal.
Roof Raking Techniques
In cases where prevention is a priority, professionals may use roof raking techniques. This proactive approach involves removing snow from your roof before it melts down and forms ice dams. This prevents the issue at its source.
Hiring the right roofing company for ice dam removal is very important. You should never rush into hiring the cheapest roofer or falling for high pressure sales techniques. A good and experienced roofing contractor combines expertise, advanced technology, and a commitment to safety, offering a complete solution to snow and ice removal. They’ll also suggest winterizing your roof and exterior to prevent damage that may occur due to freezing temperatures.
If you need reliable and cost effective ice dam removal services for your home, we’re here to help.
Trust The Experts To Remove Ice Dams From Your Roof
At ReNew Roofing, we provide professional ice dam removal services in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Missouri. What’s unique about our team is that we take care of your property and respect your time while still doing our jobs efficiently. We’ll also offer our expertise on roof winterization and ice dam prevention methods to make sure you don’t have to repeatedly face these issues. Call us at (833) 715-7663 and schedule a free consultation with our roofing experts. They’ll answer all your questions and provide you with a free estimate according to your home’s specifications and required solutions.
