If you are a homeowner, then you NEED to know about ice dams.  With the Des Moines weather consisting of snow, sleet, and very cold temperatures in the last few weeks, it’s likely that ice dams could form once the weather warms up.

So, what IS an ice dam?

When ice builds up on your roof, whether at the gutter, or in the middle of your roof, it forms a wall which traps water on top of your roof.  When the water pools, it can leak under your shingles and cause damage to your home.

What does an ice dam look like?

When you see icicles building up on your gutters, you might find an ice dam nearby.  They aren’t the easiest to see, but water can get stuck behind the ice at the top of your icicles.  Also, if you look on your roof and see a “V” in the snow, you might also have an ice dam there. The water will pool in the middle of the “”V” is trapped between the two walls.

What should I do?

The ice wall needs to be broken down. You can call a professional to help, or do it yourself, but BE CAREFUL.  Do NOT get on your icy roof.  I’ve seen people put ice melter in panty hose (yes, panty hose) and lay it along the top to melt the ice. 

If you have water on your ceilings inside, contact a professional to help with your problem.  You may not be able to do anything until the snow is gone, but you can help to prevent future ice dams with some preventative measures. If you need a referral, contact me and I’d be glad to help!

Have More Questions? There are definitely more answers…

asalmon@firstrealtyhomes.com

As always, my blog is filled with my own opinions and are in no way the opinions of  Prudential First Realty.

Photo Credit: Melaniejo