Living in Buffalo, NY , and the surrounding Western New York area means dealing with some of the most intense winters in the United States. While we are used to the “lake-effect” snow, many homeowners are caught off guard by the damage caused by any ice dams roof.
If you see thick ridges of ice at your roof’s edge or heavy icicles hanging from your ice dam gutter , you are likely experiencing ice damming . Left ignored, these can cause water to back up under shingles and leak into your home. Here is how to eliminate ice dams safely and protect your property. This guide also covers ice dam prevention and practical tips on how to prevent ice dams on roof so you can take action before leaks start.
What Are Ice Dams Roof?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, effectively acting as a “gutter dam” that prevents melting snow from draining off.
Understanding Ice Damming
When water is trapped behind this ridge, it creates a pool on your roof. Because roofs are designed to shed water downward, not hold it in standing pools, this water eventually finds gaps in your shingles, leaking into your attic and walls.
What Causes Ice Dams Roof?
Understanding what causes ice dams roof is the first step toward a permanent ice dam cure. In Buffalo, the process usually looks like this:
- Heat Loss: Heat from your furnace escapes into the attic, warming the roof deck.
- Snow Melt: The warm roof melts the heavy Buffalo snow from the bottom up.
- Refreezing: The water flows down to the eaves (the overhang), which are much colder because they aren’t over the heated attic. The water refreezes, creating the dam.
Effects on Roofs
The weight of ice in rain gutters can cause the eavestrough to pull away from the house entirely. Furthermore, the constant moisture leads to mold, rotted wood, and ruined interior drywall.
How to Safely Remove Ice Dams Roof
If you already have a buildup, you need to know how to get ice out of gutters and off your shingles without causing more damage. When getting rid of ice dams roof, use cautious, proven methods rather than risky shortcuts.
Safety Warning: In Western NY, winter winds and slick ice make roof work extremely dangerous. Never climb a ladder on icy ground or walk on a snow-covered roof.
Tools You’ll Need
- Roof Rake: To remove fresh snow from the ground.
- Calcium Chloride: Use this instead of rock salt, which can corrode gutters and kill your landscaping.
- Nylon Stockings: To create “ice-melting socks.”
Step-by-Step Removal Process
- Clear the Snow: Use a roof rake to pull snow off the first 3-4 feet of the roof. This removes the “fuel” for the ice dams roof.
- The Stocking Method: Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride and tie it off. Lay it vertically across the ice dam so it crosses the ridge and hangs into the gutter.
- Create a Channel: The chemical will melt a channel through the ice, allowing trapped water to flow safely through the ice dam in eavestrough and down the spout.
- Avoid Hammers: Never use an ice pick or hammer. In Buffalo’s freezing temperatures, shingles become brittle and will shatter if struck.
Long-Term Solutions for Ice Dams Roof Protection
If you have a recurring problem every winter, you need more than just a temporary fix; you need a professional strategy to eliminate ice dams for good.
Trust Buffalo’s Best Roofing for Expert Protection
When it comes to the unique challenges of Western New York weather, Buffalo’s Best Roofing is the region’s trusted partner. With over 100 years of combined experience and a 5-star reputation, they specialize in the specific needs of Buffalo homes.
- Emergency Ice Dam Roof Removal: If you have an active leak, Buffalo’s Best Roofing offers professional removal services to stop water damage in its tracks.
- Professional Ventilation & Insulation: They can assess your attic to ensure your home isn’t “leaking” heat into your roof, providing a permanent ice dam cure.
- Ice and Water Shield Installation: As a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, they use premium underlayment like WeatherLock® to provide high-level ice dam protection that standard roofs lack.
- Gutter Maintenance: They provide expert gutter and eavestrough services to ensure that ice dams in gutters don’t compromise your home’s foundation.
Roof Design and Maintenance
Do gutters cause ice dams? Not directly, but they make them worse. Clogged gutters trap water, which freezes faster. Regularly removing ice from gutters and keeping them clear of debris is essential. Buffalo’s Best Roofing can install high-quality gutter systems designed to handle our massive snow loads.
Living in Buffalo requires a proactive approach to winter home care. Don’t wait until water is dripping from your ceiling to take action. By focusing on proper insulation and partnering with local experts like Buffalo’s Best Roofing, you can keep your home dry and safe all season long.