A Frozen Threat

Ice Dams

When you live in an area prone to winter weather, damage from winter precipitation can be a hazard. Protect your property and your family with help from AmeriPro Roofing! We have the roofing solutions you need to prevent ice dams and keep your home safe.

What Is an Ice Dam?

A roof ice dam forms when snow melts and then refreezes on your roof. Snow at the top of the roof will melt and flow down to the edge by the gutter or soffit before freezing. As the wall of ice grows, it prevents the rest of the melting snow from draining away, directing the water into your house instead.

icicles hanging from a roof

What Are the Signs of an Ice Dam?

There are many visual cues you can check for to see if you have an ice dam, including:

  • Icicles forming on the edge of the roof or off of the gutter.
  • Ice coming through the soffit.
  • Water or ice appearing on the exterior wall.
  • Water seeping through the ceiling, wall, door frame or window.

Your home may also be prone to ice dams if you have a history of them. Older homes sometimes have insufficient insulation, leading to inconsistent roof temperatures.

What Causes Ice Dams?

For an ice dam to form, the upper sections of the roof’s surface must be above the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lower roof surfaces must be below that point. When the roof has varying temperatures, snow on the higher portions of the roof will melt, flowing down and eventually freezing to form an ice dam on the edge.

As more snow melts and freezes, the ice dam will grow until it reaches the warmer part of the roof. Water will then start to back up behind the dam, flowing into cracks and openings in the roof covering.

Varying roof temperatures can result from a range of conditions:

  • Poor ventilation under the roof
  • Insufficient insulation
  • Clogged gutters
  • Heavy snow
Hail Covering a Roof
roof being prepared to prevent ice dams

How Do I Prevent Ice Dams?

Ice dams can cause significant damage and harm to your property and family, so preventing them is vital. You can keep ice dams from forming by:

  • Getting an inspection: Have a reliable roofing company perform an inspection to identify problem areas and make any suggested repairs. Our team at AmeriPro Roofing is happy to provide a complimentary inspection.

  • Preparing your roof: Remove all leaves, sticks and debris from your gutters before snow starts to fall. You might also consider installing a water-repellent roof membrane to help protect your attic from leaks.

  • Insulating your attic: Keep your attic cold by insulating the attic floor. Check for heat sources that need insulation, including recessed lights, bathroom or kitchen vent fans, attic stair openings, ductwork, and furnace or water-heating equipment.

  • Clearing away snow: If you experience a heavy snowstorm, carefully rake or shovel snow off the roof the next day before it freezes to prevent any damage to your roof. Exercise caution and be careful to keep yourself and your roof protected.

What Harm Do Ice Dams Cause?

Ice dams can lift roof shingles, allowing water to leak inside. Your home could suffer significant water damage, including peeling paint, warped floors, stains and saggy ceilings.

As water from melting snow seeps into your house, penetrating walls, ceilings, insulation and other interior areas, the excess moisture could lead to mold and mildew growth. If attic insulation gets wet, it can become ineffective.

The accumulation of ice can cause or worsen wood rot, damaging the structural integrity of your home. Weight from the dams can pull gutters off and loosen shingles, further damaging your house’s structure. Falling gutters or icicles can also pose a physical danger.

construction guy standing at the top of a latter

Roof Ice Dam Solutions From AmeriPro Roofing

Whether your home is prone to ice dams or you’re experiencing one for the first time, it may be time to consider a roof replacement. AmeriPro Roofing has been working in cold climates since 2000, so we know how to manage and remediate the damage that snow and ice can cause to roofing materials.

AmeriPro Roofing is a family-owned business with a consistent track record of providing quality customer service to homeowners across the nation. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, so you can trust our commitment to quality and integrity. When you need a roof repair in the winter to improve your home’s comfort and safety, we have the tools and experience to get the job done right.

If you spot potential problems or have questions about your roof, please call us! Our highly trained professionals can assist you with all types of maintenance issues, from ice dam roof repair and emergency roof repairs to complete roof replacements and new construction.

If your home is prone to ice dams, it may be time to consider a roof replacement.

AmeriPro Roofing has over 18 years experience working in cold climates and we know how to manage and remediate the damage that snow and ice can cause to roofing materials. If you spot potential problems or have questions about your roof, please call us! Our highly trained professionals can assist you with all types of maintenance issues, from roof inspections and emergency roof repairs to complete roof replacements and new construction.

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What Our Customers

Are Saying

“First of all, I couldn’t be happier with all the professionals at AmeriPro Roofing. For example, from the time they gave me my roofing estimate, to the way they explained every single thing they were going to do. As a result, their service was outstanding. And, the repairs went exactly as they promised, plus they stayed on schedule and answered every question I had. And I had a lot of them. Finally, they treated me like a human being, instead of a person who filled their quota.”

“We wanted to improve the look of our home with new siding. But, we had no clue what colors to use, or what materials would work best. Our contact at AmeriPro Roofing was so patient. And above all, treated us with respect and kindness. We had a lot of questions. And we got the right answers every time. I was nervous about this project, but the vinyl siding is beautiful, and the color we chose just pops like you wouldn’t believe. In conclusion, the service was worth every penny.”

“Our roof needed replacing, and I had called a bunch of other roofers near me. In the first place, some were really pushy. And others treated me like I was stupid. In contrast, the guy at AmeriPro Roofing was a total pro. In fact, he was a straight shooter, listened before he talked, and told me he couldn’t give me any kind of estimate until he did an inspection. After the free inspection, I was sold, and I figure to get another 30 years out of this brand-new roof. In any event, I couldn’t be happier with AmeriPro Roofing.”

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Let us show you our expertise. Explore our roofing, siding, and gutter projects. Discover how we can transform your home. A new roof improves curb appeal. Plus, keep in mind, it increases its resale value!

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Contact AmeriPro Roofing Today for a Free Roofing Inspection

If you’re ready to upgrade your existing roofing, gutter or siding solution, trust the experts at AmeriPro Roofing.

Start by scheduling a complimentary roofing inspection today!

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