If you're considering having ice dams removed in Henderson, you should first understand the types of removal services that are available. The most effective professional service uses low-pressure steam, which melts the ice without harming roof shingles or gutters. A close second in effectiveness is the hot water pressure washer, which requires a little more caution because it's easier to damage surfaces when using a pressure washer in icy conditions. A less desirable option is manual removal with a pry bar and shovel. Unfortunately, manual removal doesn't have a very good safety record for the people doing the work. Yet using a pry bar to break up the dam should be considered the last resort, since it could just as easily break up the roof along with the ice dam.
Selecting the right method for ice dam removal often depends on several factors related to the ice itself and the condition of your roof. The amount and thickness of the ice, its location, and your roofing system's age and materials all play critical roles in determining which approach will be most effective and safest for your roof. For older roofs or those with delicate roofing materials, steam is usually the safest and most effective method to use for ice dam removal. However, if you have substantial or thick ice dams, a combination of methods might be necessary to get the job done. It's also essential to have a good look at your roof by someone who's qualified to make a "roof judgment." They should consider your home, your environment, and even the weather conditions that are inevitable in the Henderson winter.
Taking action to reduce the chances of ice dams forming involves not just the choice of removal strategy but also the selection of several strategies to reduce the hazards posed by snow and ice on the roof. The first of these is attic insulation, which should be not only present but installed to current code (or better) and in accordance with the roof framing system so that it doesn't create cold spots. Next comes ventilation, which should be working (the system's absence is too often overlooked) to move air through the roof system, keeping the roof deck at a temperature as close to ambient as possible. Then there's the big-deal maintenance part, which has two components. The first is clearing the gutters of all organic matter, especially in the fall, when leaves are coming off trees and before the first big snowstorm hits. The second part is inspecting the roof to ensure there are no surface cracks through which water could enter and then freeze.
