The 2013/2014 winter has been brutal and with the prolonged low temperatures homeowners are experiencing ice/snow damage they have never seen before. The most notable is the ice dam. At McCormack Contracting in Madison NJ, we’ve been in business for thirty years and are experiencing a record number of calls requesting the removal of the ice and snow from the roofs.
Ice dams are caused when warm air leaks from the home which warms spots on the roof causing the snow to melt. The water then flows down to the gutter area where is re-freezes. After a few days, the ice builds up and instead of the water going into the gutters, it takes the path of least resistance and either gets under the shingles causing roof damage or worse…enters the house causing damage to insulation, walls, and ceilings. Some unseen interior damage may not even be realized until weeks or months later such as mold or structural deterioration.
The most crucial step to stopping an ice dam is to remove the snow from the roof. You can do this yourself, but please consider hiring a roofing professional or contractor. Icy roofs are dangerous and attempts to remove the ice and snow can also cause additional roof damage.
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To prevent ice dams in the future you need to eliminate the initial cause which is heat loss. Steps include increasing insulation, plugging gaps around wiring/fixtures, and proper venting of the attic. A consultation with a professional contractor such as McCormack Contracting will help you come up with the best prevention plan.
Final thoughts:
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Call a professional now while the snow and ice damming is most pronounced.
Remove the ice/snow immediately before it causes long term damage.
You can create a plan of prevention while he is there removing the existing ice dam.
Written by:
Kevin McCormack of McCormack Contracting, Inc.
39 Main Street
Madison, NJ 07940
973-360-1900
