Ice Damage in Woonsocket, RI

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Removing Ice Dams

Residents in Rhode Island have made it through the winter thus far without much damage. While there has been little snowfall, icicles have still been able to form on homes and buildings at night. Hidden behind the ice is water that can work its way under roof shingles and leak into your home or business. If left untreated, ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold. There are several things you can do to avoid getting an ice dam or to reduce the risk of damage after one has formed.

How do ice dams form?

Ice dams can form whenever water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roof-line. Without roof snow removal, an ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home or business.

Preventing Ice Dams

• Remove snow from your roof after every storm

Use a roof rake to clear snow from the edge of your roof upwards of three to four feet immediately after each storm. In addition to helping prevent an ice dam from forming, this will lessen the stress on your home’s roof. The amount of snow and ice your roof can support will depend on a number of factors, including the roof type and the age and condition of the structure. Keep in mind - if more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice has accumulated on your roof, you should have it removed by a professional.

• Clear downspouts

An easy way to help snow and ice drain off of your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This can help prevent standing water from collecting near the gutter downspout.

Dealing With Existing Ice Dams

• Melt the ice dam

Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt, and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also, be aware that shrubbery and plants near the gutters or downspouts may be damaged.

• Seek professional help

 If you cannot safely reach the roof, avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. Consider hiring a contractor to remove the ice dam.

Checklist before SERVPRO arrives:

• Disconnect the electrical and remove electronics from the affected area
• Call your insurance company! Many insurance companies will cover the damage caused by ice dams. Before any professional cleanup, photograph and document the damage.
• Remove standing water
• Remove mold-prone items if possible
• If possible, open the windows to circulate air or use a fan.

Once the ice damn is removed from your roof, contact SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island to professionally clean, dry, and disinfect the area. Water damage in your home due to ice dams is an unfortunate situation, but SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island will happily clean up any damage. Protect your roof and home from the hazards of ice dams and call us today at (401) 949-9955.