The benefits of removing ice dams include the prevention of costly water damage inside the home, the protection of roof shingles, gutters, and structural integrity, and less risk of mold growth and poor indoor air quality. You shouldn’t try to remove ice dams yourself since it’s dangerous and you can damage your property. Have it properly removed by professionals, and prevent future damage by improving your roof’s insulation, ventilation, and airflow.
According to Florida State University, cold snaps that bring snow and ice in the state are entirely possible. This may come as a surprise to many, especially if you’re new to Florida.
While cold snaps are rare, homeowners should still be prepared in case they do happen. For example, removing ice dams is an essential move that can save your property.
What Are the Benefits of Removing Ice Dams?
Ice dams may look pretty and harmless, but you certainly don’t want these types of holiday decorations around. Though they may be rare, ice dams need to be removed, and here’s why.
Prevents Costly Water Damage Inside the Home
As snow melts, the water can seep underneath the shingles and into your home. This can damage the:
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Ceilings
- Flooring
The moisture that enters the wall cavities can remain undetected, causing your home to crumble in the future. To repair the above, it’ll cost significantly more than just getting a simple ice dam removal. Being proactive means protecting your home’s interior and reducing long-term repair expenses.
Protects Roof Shingles, Gutters, and Structural Integrity
Ice dams can be quite heavy, and they’ll add weight and stress to the roof’s edge. This can result in:
- Tearing shingles
- Loosened gutters
- Strained roof deck
Over time, this damage will compromise the roof’s overall integrity and shorten its lifespan. Acting quickly will preserve the roofing materials and prevent premature roof replacement. More importantly, it’ll maintain the long-term structural health of your home.
Reduces the Risk of Mold Growth and Poor Indoor Air Quality
Ice expands and contracts, and this can lift the roof shingles and create entry points for water. Moisture can then build up in the attic, as well as behind the walls and in insulation. If you don’t take care of this moisture, then there will likely be mold growth.
As it spreads quickly and silently, mold can damage your home’s building materials and affect its structural integrity. In addition, it can affect the indoor air quality, potentially causing respiratory issues and allergies.
Can I Remove Ice Dams Myself?
Technically, you can remove ice dams on your own. However, we don’t recommend doing so.
First of all, climbing onto a roof is already dangerous; add ice to it, and the danger is magnified. And you can’t just use anything to chip away at the ice. Things like chisels, hammers, and common salts may initially get rid of the ice, but these can:
- Damage shingles
- Void warranties
- Corrode gutters
You may have tried hot water or roof rakes, and they may seem to work, but these are only temporary solutions. One of our best ice dam removal tips is to have professionals do it, as they’ll have the safest and most effective methods, such as steaming.
How Can We Prevent Ice Dams?
Ice dam prevention starts with improving your roof’s insulation, ventilation, and airflow. You see, when warm air escapes from the attic, it melts the snow on the roof. The water then trickles to the edges, refreezes, and creates ice dams.
So by properly insulating your attic, you reduce heat loss. And if you get continuous soffit and ridge ventilation, this can keep roof temperatures stable too. You can also seal air leaks around:
- Attic hatches
- Recessed lights
- Ductwork
Another way to prevent ice dams is to do proper winter roof maintenance. This includes keeping gutters clear before cold weather arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does It Cost To Remove Ice Dams?
Typically, it can cost anywhere between $200 to over $1,000 to remove ice dams. The exact price will depend on:
- Size of the dam
- Tools required
- Difficulty of accessing your roof
Also, professional removal is usually priced by the hour. And methods like steam removal (which is considered the safest) may cost more.
You also have to factor in repair costs if the ice dam has already caused water leaks or roof damage.
Is Ice Dam Removal Worth It?
Yes, ice dam removal is absolutely worth it, especially if you want to avoid expensive roof and interior repairs. When ice dams form, they trap the melting snow behind them. As a result, water can seep under shingles and leak into:
- Attic spaces
- Walls
- Ceilings
Once this happens, it can lead to mold, insulation damage, and structural rot. So the cost of ice dam removal is significantly less than repairing soaked drywall or replacing roofing.
Will an Ice Dam Melt on Its Own?
Yes, ice dams can melt on their own eventually, but you shouldn’t wait for that to happen. As the snow melts, the water will keep pooling behind the dam, and you’ll most likely experience leaks. You might not see the water damage immediately, but by the time that the ice melts completely, the roof deck, insulation, and drywall may be compromised.
Ultimately, the resulting damage from an ice dam leak can cost thousands of dollars to repair. So it’s better to have it professionally removed rather than wait for it to naturally melt.
Be Sure to Remove Ice Dams Promptly
Ice dams can be a wondrous thing, especially in sunny Florida. While they can look amazing, don’t let them stick around for long. Instead, get right on removing ice dams after you’ve snapped some pictures.
Prompt ice dam removal is prime home winter protection, as you’re stopping extensive damage from happening. Having a professional remove them for you is key, as they can do it safely and efficiently.
If you’d like assistance with your roof this winter, then contact us today for a free quote. Innovative Roofing has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and we offer turnkey solutions.
