Ice Dams on your roof

Ice dams are pervasive and damaging winter roofing problems caused by poor roof ventilation and a warm attic space. Left untreated, ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold.  is starting to treat these issues during this long and cold winter season in Fairfield County, CT.

Ice dams form when melting snow on a roof runs off and refreezes at the edge of a roof. This condition occurs when the snow is melted by a warm roof, creating water running between the snow and warm roof surface, then freezing and turning into ice when it gets past the exterior warm wall and hits a cold unheated roof edge or gutter.

As the bottom of the snow pack continues to melt, water continues to flow down the roof surface until it hits the ice, thereby creating a larger and larger ice dam. As the snow continues to fall and the days are cold this water continues to back up and has no place to go. Before long the water is backing up under the shingles and is going into the house.

Ironically, ice dams occur most commonly after a heavy snow because snow is a great insulator. If undetected ice damage could cause rotted roof sheathing and deterioration of your gutter system which will eventually lead to other roof issues. It’s best to treat the problem immediately. Also, please note, certain areas of your home maybe more susceptible to ice damming than others; shaded areas of your home.

How can Executive Craftsman help with Ice Dams

Open the channels in the ice dam – Ice dams occur because the water has nowhere to go and as a result it often goes into the home. The best solution is to be able to open up channels through the ice dam and allow the water to find an easier way off of the roof system. Our team of experts can help you find the best answer.

Apply ice melt salt onto the ice dam – you can simply broadcast salt over the dam area and it will penetrate the surface of the ice and alleviate the pressure. In addition, by using the salt you can break the ice into small chunks which can then be safely removed from the roof or gutter.

If you feel your home has these issues please give us a call for a free consultation. You are under no obligation to use our services.  has been serving lower Fairfield County for over 20 years with various general contracting and home improvement needs.