Ice Buildup On Roof Edge

Never get onto a roof to remove snow in the winter.

Ice buildup on roof edge. Ice dams are those beautiful but deadly mounds of ice and icicles that you see along the edge of some roofs. This scenario is often the result of a warm attic. This is the only safe way to remove snow from a roof. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.

This only occurs when part of your roof warms to above 32 degrees f warm enough to melt the snow while the roof edge remains below freezing. When using roof rake use light pressure to avoid scraping the shingles too hard. An ice pick or awl is best for this task though a crowbar or hatchet can work too. If you push the snow across the roof you could end up damaging the shingles.

Standing on a stabilized ladder or other sturdy object reach into the gutter and chip away at the ice buildup starting at the gutter and working backward up the roof being careful not to damage the roof itself. Ice dams are a common sight in northern new england winters and home partners has dealt with quite a few. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams. The only purpose of ice belt panels is to shed ice and snow off the roof edge and if ice dams do form they can t leak into the roof.

An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. You don t have to remove all of the ice. We say they are deadly because sheets of ice start to break loose as the weather gets a little warmer stabbing or crushing anything in its path. See below for a shopp.

To use the rake pull the snow toward the edge of your roof. Repeat the process after every snowfall to keep the roof clear of ice dams. 4 ways to prevent ice dams on your roof. Stop ice dams with a cold roof.

Purchase a long handled aluminum roof rake preferably with wheels or a non stick graphite blade. Ice dams and icicles form when the snow melts runs down your roof and refreezes near the edge.