How Roofing Replacement Contractors Address Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common problem in colder climates, where snow accumulates on rooftops and then melts due to heat escaping from the house. This melted snow trickles down the roof until it reaches the eaves, which are colder because they extend beyond the house’s heated interior. Here, the water refreezes into a dam of ice, blocking further meltwater from draining off the roof. If left unattended, this can cause significant damage to both your roof and interior of your home as water seeps under shingles and potentially leaks into your home.

Roofing replacement contractors have several strategies for addressing ice dams to prevent such damage. The first step is usually removing any existing ice dams using specialized tools that won’t harm your roofing material. They might use steam machines or high-temperature pressure washers to gently melt away the ice without causing any physical trauma to your shingles or gutters.

Once existing dams are removed, roofing contractors will take steps to prevent them from forming again in future winters. One effective method is improving attic insulation and ventilation; when an attic is well-insulated and ventilated, less heat escapes through the roof to melt snowfall above. Contractors may also install electric heat cables along eaves or low-sloping roofs where ice dams frequently form.

In addition to these preventative measures, roofing replacement contractors often recommend installing waterproof underlayment beneath new shingles during a roof replacement fairfax project. This rubberized asphalt material creates a barrier that prevents water from seeping into your home even if it does get past shingles due to an ice dam or other issue.

Another solution offered by many professional roofing contractors involves installing heating systems directly onto roofs themselves – particularly around edges where cold air tends naturally gather most intensely during winter months causing repeated freeze-thaw cycles leading eventually formation stubborn icy blockages known colloquially among industry professionals simply ‘ice dams’.

Finally, some roofing replacement contractors also offer regular maintenance services to keep ice dams at bay. These may include regular roof inspections and cleanings, especially after heavy snowfalls or during particularly cold periods.

In conclusion, roofing replacement contractors address ice dams through a combination of immediate removal and long-term prevention strategies. They use specialized tools to remove existing dams without damaging your roof, then take steps to prevent future ones by improving attic insulation and ventilation, installing heat cables or heated roofing systems, using waterproof underlayment during roof replacements, and offering ongoing maintenance services. By understanding the causes of ice dams and how to prevent them, these professionals can help protect your home from potential water damage each winter.

Nu Look Roofing, Siding, and Windows
9990 Fairfax Blvd #180, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
443-806-8086