The roof is the area of the home most susceptible to damage during the winter months. It is also the area that is mostly unseen by the homeowner. One of the most serious problems that a home can face during a winter snap is that of an ice dam, it is though fairly straightforward to prevent ice dams on roofs.

-What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is basically a block of ice on a roof that traps melting snow behind it. The dam is normally formed at the edges of the roof near to the gutters. An ice dam prevents the melting snow from being able to flow down the roof into the house's guttering.

-What causes an ice dam?

An ice dam forms when the temperature outside of the home is below freezing point, but the temperature within an attic space is far higher. This means that snow and ice melts because of the inside temperature, but quickly freezes again when it gets to the edge of the roof.

-Why worry about an ice dam?

As a pool of water builds up behind an ice dam so the water can start to leak into the attic space, causing water damage to the ceilings below, walls and most problematic can cause damage to the house's electrics. The damage caused by an ice dam can be expensive to repair.

-What are the indications are that an ice dam has formed?

The outside of the roof is not normally something that is easy to observe, and so many of the signs that an ice dam has formed come on the inside. The first indication of a problem is often when water stains start to appear on ceilings, and then an examination of the attic may show damage to any insulation, as well as the formation of mould on wooden framing. Most people though do not realise that despite being beautiful, icicles forming on the guttering could be the first signs of trouble.

-How not to get rid of an ice dam

Many people like to offer up solutions about how to get rid of an ice dam, but most suggestions only make the problem worse. It is often said that removing the guttering can prevent ice dams from forming but this is not the case, and the removal of the guttering could lead to water melting straight into the foundations or the basement.

Also it is not a good idea to make use of salt or other chemicals designed to melt the ice. In the short-term they may work, but they could also cause corrosion to any roofing material. They also will not stop the problem that is causing the ice dam to form. The same issues also apply with electric heaters or cables, which may work, but could equally causing fires

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