How to Prevent and Remove Ice Dams

In our previous article on ice dams, we discussed what they are and what causes them. An ice dam is essentially a large chunk of ice that sits at the edge of a roof. It occurs due to poor attic ventilation and insulation and causes many problems leading to emergency roof repair in Leawood. As a premier roofing company in Leawood, we don’t want your roof to suffer from an ice dam this winter, which is why it’s essential to know how to prevent and remove ice dams before they become more problematic. KC Roofing companies are also helping in preventing and removing ice dams.

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice dams form when snow on a heated roof melts and runs down, just to refreeze near the edge where it is cold. This is the result of a warm attic due to heat escaping through the ceilings. The ultimate prevention of ice dams is to keep your attic cold, which will ultimately keep your roof cold and prevent the snow from melting. According to roofing contractors in Leawood, you can keep your attic cold by:

1.Increasing Attic Insulation

Many building codes require approximately 12 to 14 inches of insulation in an attic. Check the level of your attic insulation and replace it if it is less than the required amount. The your roofing companies in Leawood highly recommend hiring a professional to do the job for you.

2. Fix Air Leaks

Most heat loss is the result of leakages from small cracks, holes, and other gaps. You can easily caulk or foam up small spots. Doing so will also help reduce your energy bills by a decent amount.

3. Roof Inspection

Before Kansas gets hit with snow, get your roof inspected by the best roofer in Leawood. Not only will they be able to see if your roof is susceptible to ice dams, but they’ll also look at everything from shingle condition and the roof decking.

Removing Ice Dams

1. Rake

One of the easiest and most popular ways to remove snow on a roof is with a snow rake. Yes, there are special rakes for removing snow from roofs. Crazy right? While it may be a bit easier to do on a roof that is closer to the ground, it is still an easy way to prevent ice dams from forming.

2. Heat Cables

If you find that ice dams are forming near the edge of your roof, another way to prevent damage is by installing heat cables. These cables are mounted to the roof’s edge in a zigzag pattern and plugged into a GFCI receptacle. This way is a bit more complicated than other solutions, but it works fairly well.

3. Hire Professional Ice Dam Removers

Roof projects aren’t necessarily the easiest, which is why hiring a professional ice dam removal team can be very beneficial. They will have the necessary tools to complete the job safely and efficiently.

For more information about how ice dams can damage your roof or to receive a roof inspection, contact us at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We offer premier roofing in Leawood and emergency roof repair in Leawood. Hiring a professional to prevent or remove an ice dam is one of the benefits among all other ways.