In part 1 of this blog, North Twin Builders explains how to recognize ice dams and the dangers they present to your home. Part 2 examines some possible short-term solutions to get rid of ice dams. Although some of these solutions may work, it is important to understand that ice dams are a long-term problem and it is more cost-effective to eliminate the threat permanently than to keep applying Band-Aids. Here are some examples –

Band-Aid #1 – Shoveling snow off roof:

WHY: In theory, if you have no snow on your roof, ice dams won’t form and therefore, no problem.

WHY NOT: If you live in Northern Wisconsin or Upper Michigan, you are already busy shoveling your walkway, driveway, mailbox, etc. after each new snowfall. Besides being very time-consuming and possible damage to your roof, any options that require you to climb up on a slippery roof should be considered hazardous to your health. You don’t want to break a bone at the height of snowmobile season!

IMPROVEMENT: Purchase a roof rake, which allows you to knock the snow off your roof from the ground. Even a little snow lead to an ice dam so clearing snow, like all of the temporary fixes, is not an actual solution.

Band-Aid #2 – Throw salt on the roof:

WHY: Salt melts ice, right? With no ice, the chance of water damage goes down.

WHY NOT: First of all, it’s practically impossible to stand on the ground and successfully toss salt up two stories in the air and trust it to land where you want. So, again, this option presents the possibility of you breaking your leg, which is never desired. Secondly, the quantity of corrosive salt it would require to effect the ice can cause damage to your roofing shingles or roofing nails.

IMPROVEMENT: Calcium chloride deicer presents less of a risk to your actual roof, but can still stain shingles and cause corrosion on your gutters or siding. And you would need a lot!

Band-Aid #3 – Break the ice off by hand:

WHY: You might consider using a handy tool to chop up ice and hack it off. Get rid of the ice, get rid of the dangers of ice dams. And for free, all the better!

WHY NOT: The first two steps should have made it clear that homeowner + icy roof = possible broken bones. If not done carefully, hacking at ice with a hammer, chisel or ice pick could easily damage your roof as well as your body.

IMPROVEMENT: EXTREME caution!

Band-Aid #4 – Install heating cables:

WHY: Heating cables placed around the edge of your roof will keep ice ridges from forming. Water will be able to flow freely off of the roof instead of being pushed into house underneath.

WHY NOT: This is not a cheap option. After the initial expense of purchasing, your electric bill will take a hit. Also, ice dams can form above the heat cables and around them and create even more risk to your gutters and home exterior.

IMPROVEMENT: First do your research and then leave the installation up to professionals. Heating cables are only effective if installed properly.

Band-Aid #5 – Hire a professional to use steam:

WHY: Well, at least you are not risking that broken leg. A professional will use steam to melt the ice, which poses less of a threat to your roof.

WHY NOT: Maybe if you live somewhere that freezing temperatures occur only once during the winter, this would be a good idea. However, in Northern Wisconsin, this professional would have to pretty much move in to keep up with the ice and snow that seems to magically reappear overnight.

IMPROVEMENT: Instead of calling a professional to melt the ice, call an experienced roofer that also knows about building science like North Twin Builders!

Fix the Underlying Problems Causing Ice Dams

The only real solution for ice dams is to look at the culprit causing them – your home! All of the Band-Aids are only temporary, if they work at all. Each presents the potential to cause more damage to your home. And a broken leg. Read Part 3 of this blog to learn how and why a long-term solution is the only one.

Keep following North Twin Builders Blog for the answer to ice dams!