how to repair ice dam damage

How to Permanently Fix an Ice Dam Roof leak

• Ventilate the Eaves and Ridges. Ventilating the space under the roof deck helps to keep the colder air outside circulating in the attic space.
• Add Insulation to the Living Space. Another strategy is to add insulation to the living space to prevent heat from rising to the attic space.
• Keep All the Heat Sources Away from the Roof. ...

Full Answer

How to stop ice dam?

Using calcium chloride to help melt the ice is a common method for getting rid of an ice dam. Instead of just sprinkling the crystals over the ice, filling a sock with calcium chloride and draping it over the edge or the roof or across the ice dam will work better. This will melt the surrounding ice and keep water draining from your roof.

How do you fix an ice dam on roof?

Fast Fixes

• Blow in cold air. Take a box fan into the attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where water is actively leaking in.
• Rake it. Pull off snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake (above) while you stand safely on the ground. ...
• Use Calcium Chloride. Fill the leg of discarded pair of pantyhose with a calcium chloride ice melter. ...

Why are ice dams so bad?

Ice dams are big problems because they often lead to water leakage into building assemblies, and more seriously, to falling ice that can be fatal (not kidding here) and to the weight of ice leading to structural collapse of roof overhangs and the shearing of deck assemblies when large masses of ice fall on them.

How to get rid of ice dams?

Ice dam prevention products (list of quick, temporary fixes)

• Use electric de-icing cables or a snow-melting system. ...
• A roof rake to pull fresh snow and debris off your roof to prevent build up.
• Hire someone to professionally remove the ice dam by using steaming machines .
• Install metal ice belts or ice belt panels on your roof. ...
• De-icer bricks that include a safe solution for your roof, lawn, and garden. ...

Do ice dams cause permanent damage?

Yes, ice dams can cause permanent damage to your home or business, if your definition of “permanent” is damage so severe that you've moved beyond “repairs” and into gutting or rebuilding.

How much does it cost to repair an ice dam?

Small patch up areas on average tend to range anywhere from $100 – $300. Drying a flooded basement out can cost anywhere from $500 – $10,000 and up depending on how severe the flood damage was, as well as the size of the basement.

How do you treat ice dams?

The Best Ways To Get Rid of Ice DamsUse hot water: Running hot water over the ice dam, gently, will melt it and allow the water to drain out through the gutters.Install heat cable: You can have heat cables installed on the roof in the summertime which will then be there come cold weather to melt the ice dam for you.More items...

How do I fix an ice dam in my house?

Ice dams can be melted away via the use of chemicals or steaming, or they can be physically removed by breaking off small chunks at a time. In the long run, however, the best course of action is to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place by insulating the house and venting the attic correctly.

How much does ice Guard cost?

Granular or sand ice and water shield starts at $50.00 per row of material, 3 feet by 33 feet. Smooth ice and water shield costs around $100.00 per square (100 square feet of roof area) to go under a low slope roof. High heat ice and water shield will be a little more expensive and costs around $125.00 per square.

What type of roof prevents ice damming?

metal roofingAn ice belt, a band of metal roofing, installed at the eaves helps prevent the formation of ices dams by placing a low-friction surface where ice dams are likely to form. If an ice dam does form, an ice belt will reduce the penetration of standing water.

Can you use a heat gun to melt ice?

Defrost your freezer Sure, you could keep the door open to defrost or even use a hair dryer, but these take a long time to melt that ice. Your heat gun can get the job done much faster!

Should you knock icicles off gutters?

Don't try using a hammer or rake to knock large icicles off your gutters or remove ice dams. Hitting the ice in your gutters with a hammer will cause more pressure on your gutters and could make the gutters collapse. Large icicles can be unpredictable when they fall, causing injury to you or damage to your home.

Should you break icicles off roof?

Small icicles along the edge of your roof: Green Alert. Your response to those little icicles should be to break out your fancy new roof rake and remove the snow from your roof. Remove the snow from your overhangs, at the very least. Icicles have to attach somewhere on your roof, which means there's more ice up there.

Can you put heat tape in gutters?

Heat tape is a protected electrical cord that, when used in gutters and pipes, can stop them from freezing. Also known as gutter heat cables or gutter heaters, heat tape helps to prevent ice dams from forming.

Do icicles mean Poor insulation?

"Icicles mean you're losing some heat and it also could mean you have poor ventilation in your attic," said Larsen and that's where his infrared camera comes into play. They can be used to show where heat is escaping a home. "Have someone take a look in your attic to see that your insulation is intact.

Can I put ice melt in my gutters?

0:342:08Pantyhose and Ice Melt useful for gutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo nothing leaks out or you can just cut them off and have two separate ones laid on top of here andMoreSo nothing leaks out or you can just cut them off and have two separate ones laid on top of here and if done correctly. This will melt the ice. And have your gutters free-flowing.

Can I put ice melt in my gutters?

0:342:08Pantyhose and Ice Melt useful for gutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo nothing leaks out or you can just cut them off and have two separate ones laid on top of here andMoreSo nothing leaks out or you can just cut them off and have two separate ones laid on top of here and if done correctly. This will melt the ice. And have your gutters free-flowing.

What kind of salt is safe for roofs?

Sodium Chloride Or Rock Salt Or Halite Since they are relatively inexpensive, they are the most preferred type of deicing salts. However, they work up to only 20 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and damage the freeze-induced expansion and contraction of the tiles and roof shingles.

Do icicles mean Poor insulation?

"Icicles mean you're losing some heat and it also could mean you have poor ventilation in your attic," said Larsen and that's where his infrared camera comes into play. They can be used to show where heat is escaping a home. "Have someone take a look in your attic to see that your insulation is intact.

Can I put salt on my roof to melt ice?

A Do not put salt on your roof! Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is highly corrosive. It will damage the roofing, siding, gutters and downspouts, and the poisonous runoff will kill foundation plants and more. If you are going to try any homemade approach for breaking an ice dam, use deicer.

Ice Dams: Several Quick Fixes but only One Cure.

An Ice Dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the insi...

What Damage Do Ice Dams Cause?

When an ice dam gets big enough, melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Eventually, it will drip into the insulation an...

How Can You Deal With An Ice Dam?

There are two avenues of attack: dealing with an existing ice dam and preventing one in the first place.

Dealing With Existing Ice Dams

1. Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp tool! You’ll cut through the shingles. Instead, tap ligh...

How to get rid of ice dam on roof?

First, get rid of any built up snow using a roof rake ( used for single family homes with pitched roofs) or shoveling it off (on flat roofs, or when there’s a significant amount of snow). Next, remove the ice dam by breaking it free in ...

How to prevent ice dams in attic?

Proper attic insulation & ventilation are the key elements in preventing ice dams from developing – having the right insulation and ventilation will provide the optimal temperature balance in the attic, and prevent the thaw/freeze cycle that causes ice dams.

How to stop a leak in the attic?

If there’s a leak you notice, blow cold air into the attic to freeze it, aiming it directly at the underside of the roof where water is actively leaking in. This will stop the leak in its tracks. Even when there are no obvious roof leaks, you’ll want to carefully inspect your roof & gutters when you discover an ice dam.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams are a fact of life in Delaware & Pennsylvania – and across America. They can cause major water damage to the exterior and interior as gravity pulls water inside of your home through the wood, insulation, and drywall, causing major structural damage and mold growth.

Is it safe to remove mold from a roof?

Mold can be a serious health hazard, and removal is best left to an expert! Remember, always keep safety in mind when working on the roof – especially in winter. Or better yet, hire professionals – removing ice dams can be slow, dangerous work, so hire someone experienced at roofing in all seasons.

What Happens When Plaster Gets Wet?

When plaster gets wet the surface will usually manifest as a yellow or brownish stain, and if the leak was heavy, the surface may begin to bubble from the chemical reaction of the lime in the plaster.

Using A Moisture Meter

Before performing any repair work on this area you may want to see if the plaster has dried out enough. Use a moisture meter to determine the extent of the moisture content and dry any areas out that are excessively wet.

Remove the bubbled and flaking plaster

The first step to making repairs is to remove all the damaged material, bubbling and peeling paint, and assess how deep the damage goes.

Cut out badly damaged surfaces

If your plaster is badly damaged, sagging or bulging, you may have to remove it and replace it with new blue board or drywall. A small plaster blister or a hole [poked for drainage] can be spanned with mesh tape and covered with skim coats of drywall compound.

Why do I have ice dams on my roof?

If you have icicles forming, chances are ice dams are forming right behind them. Ice dams are problematic because they can damage your roof by tearing off shingles ...

Can ice dams damage a roof?

In many cases, repairs are all that’s needed. Damage from ice dams doesn’t necessarily indicate that your roof is worn out or losing structural integrity. They’re a direct product of the culprit: ice dams that are too heavy to be supported by your roof and block water from running off.

What You May Need To Fix

Ice dams can pull off roof shingles, dislodge your gutters, warp your floors, deform your ceilings, and cause mold growth.

Average Cost Of Removing Ice Dam

There is no universal cost for removing ice dams from your home. And while you can do it yourself, it is best to hire a professional.

Cost Of Water Damage Restoration

There are many facets to ice dam water damage, and the cost of restoration will depend on what has been damaged, and the level of damage involved.

Conclusion

As you can see, ice dam damage repair doesn’t come cheap, as it can set you thousands of dollars back. This is why it’s important to prevent ice dam damage in the first place.

How does insulation help the roof?

With proper insulation, you can prevent the heat in your home from escaping to the roof and playing a part in the formation of ice dams. If you do not have enough insulation, then the heat used to keep your home warm can escape to the roof. The heat will remain in the building like it should with proper insulation, allowing for effective heating. Additionally, sufficient insulation can help you save money on energy costs.

Can ice dams cause mold?

If you find that your residential or commercial property has sustained water damage from ice dams, then you need to address the problem right away. Waiting to tend to the water damage will only allow the water to affect more areas and for the damage to get worse. Additionally, it increases the likelihood for mold growth.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are caused by accumulated snow and uneven roof temperatures. During winter, when the upper area of a roof is warmer than the lower edge, nearest the eave or overhang, snow begins to melt and run down the roof slope. Once it reaches the colder roof edge, it refreezes, creating a block of ice called an ice dam.

How Ice Dams Affect a Roof

Once an ice dam has formed, it can cause significant damage to your home if not removed. As water pools at the lower edge of the roof, it can begin to back up under the shingles. Once water is under the shingles, it can soak into the sheathing and roof deck.

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice dams can be prevented with winter maintenance, snow removal, proper attic ventilation and insulation.