Homeowners in Spring Valley know all too well the difficulties associated with ice dams. These formations, made of frozen water, can cause monumental damage to roofs and the interiors of homes if not properly and quickly dealt with. Luckily, there are several methods experts employ to resolve the situation, with the choice of method often depending on the speed at which a homeowner needs the situation rectified. One common method is applicable in many circumstances and is safe for your roof and the environment: steam removal. Home repair professionals who know how to safely use steam to thaw and displace an ice dam. Another option is to let Mother Nature take her course.
You could use chemical de-icers, which break down and melt the ice. These products are usually spread along the edge of the ice dam. They're effective for that "minor case" I mentioned, and they're probably cheaper than the other methods, if reckoned up front. De-icers are safe for roofs (to use, even if you're not my age, read the instruction sheet first; you might consult a professional roof repair person too, just for good measure). How about the bad side? De-icers take their own sweet time. Using one of them to "fix" an ice dam might not be reasonable or possible, if the leak beneath the roof is drenching your furniture and you're working in the elliptical path that leads from the couch to the fridge.
For homeowners in Spring Valley, a far less heart-stopping approach to ice dam removal is taking preventive measures to cut down on their formation. The key to that is ensuring good insulation in the attic and proper ventilation. If the temperature can be kept sufficiently uniform throughout the roof structure, it can be kept cool enough not to melt the snow on top and warm enough inside not to freeze any water that may run down to the edge. Half measures may involve inspecting the attic for any escape paths for warm air and considering the use of foam board insulation in the ceiling itself, to keep the top portion of the insulated assembly cooler and the lower portion (the ceiling) warmer. Good ventilation in the attic keeps spaces cooler and drier.
