Ice Dams – NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!

In Michigan, with the forecast predicting a heat spell in the next few days, it is very important to be educated on ice dams now more than ever!

Extreme cold temperatures this year have caused extensive ice build-up at the edges of roofs in Michigan. As the temperature rises, the snow on the roof will melt quickly and run down the surface. Unfortunately, the thick ice at the roof’s drip edge will melt much more slowly, so the water will back up behind it and work it’s way under your shingles and into your home. One day you may walk into the living room and see water running down the inside of your walls. At that point, it will be too late to prevent the damage.

The solution is to either remove the ice dams or melt channels in them so the way has a way to escape from the roof surface. Do an internet search for removing ice dams for more information. Avoid solutions, however, that require anyone to climb on the roof surface. It is an extremely treacherous way to remove ice and you should hire a professional if this method is required.  

If you do hire an outside contractor, be sure to inspect their liability insurance and workers compensation coverage before they begin. If they are uninsured, you could be opening yourself to liability! Insist on seeing proof of their insurance.