Homeowners in Winchester face a significant problem during the cold winter months: ice dams. An ice dam forms when melting snow runs down the roof and freezes at the roof's edge. This build-up of ice can create a "dam" that holds water, which can leak into the house and cause significant damage. If you have an ice dam, professionals can help you determine the best course of action. If the case is serious, they can take care of the removal for you. For simple dams or early in the ice dam season, these professionals may snow raking, using a roof rake to keep the snow from accumulating near the roof's edge.
When an ice dam forms on a roof, the recommended removal method can be rather surprising. To understand the professional recommendation, let's first look at what this natural structure is and what can happen if it forms during cold weather and warm spells. An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, typically with the eaves drop. Snow melting off the roof can flow down to the edge where it freezes. If enough ice builds up, it can cause significant damage. The thick structure of ice can even push up shingles. The only natural way for it to "come down" is by springing, not unlike the way a freshly made waffle pops out of its pan. When warm air rises into the attic, the snow on the roof begins to melt. Once the warm spell is over and the air turns cold again, the trickling water re-freezes.
When selecting an ice dam removal service in Winchester, it is important to base the decision on the unique features of your home and roof system. Local professionals familiar with our area can best assess the situation and identify the crucial variables—like roof pitch, attic insulation, and ventilation—that figured into the formation of the current ice dam. They can also spot potential problems that might lead to future ice dams and tackle them now before they become emergencies. By involving local professionals, you make sure any preventative measures that are taken are done appropriately, whether that be improving insulation or installing roof de-icing systems.
