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Above: An ice dam forms on a homeowner's roof. Photo Credit: Tchukki Andersen, TCIA Staff Arborist |
Question: Now that spring is around the corner, I've started cleaning out my house - starting with my gutters. The warmer weather should melt the snow, and allow it to drain off my roof, but I've noticed that chunks of ice are keeping this from happening. I've heard arborists may have the training to deal with this issue. Should I be concerned enough to hire one?
Ask the Arborist: Aren't they stunning? Those long, clear icicles that are decorating your roof gutters are a two-faced beauty. Yes, they reflect the lengthening daylight at a time of year when the winter darkness is beginning to get on everyone's nerves. But if the icicles are part of an ice dam they also can be extremely dangerous.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents water from draining. Accumulated snow on roof tops will melt during winter months - sometimes from warming outside temperatures, but more often from heat lost through the roof.
Warm portions of the upper roof allow water to drain down to the cold portions of the lower roof. The melted snow from the warmer areas will re-freeze when it flows down to the colder portions, forming an ice dam. This prevents the snow melt from draining into the gutter and allows it to back-flow between the shingles and through the roof. This will cause water damage on the interior ceiling and walls.
At the least, the damage from melting snow might ruin parts of your house. At the worst, the enormous weight of concentrated ice from an ice dam can cause parts of the house to actually tear away unexpectedly and come crashing to the ground. You don't want to be standing nearby taking pictures if this happens.
What Actions Should You Not Take?
- Do not climb a ladder to access a large accumulation of ice. Ladder placement would have to be directly in the path of the ice you are removing. If the dam suddenly gives way, it could avalanche onto the ladder you are standing.
- Do not use rock salt to melt the ice. Rock salt will damage house paint.
- Do not stand on a frozen roof without proper fall protection.
- Do not use an ax or shovel to chop at the ice dam. Damage to the roof is likely.
What Actions Can You Take?
Early in the snow season, use a long handled roof rake to remove the snow after each snow storm. It might be too late for you to safely remove it yourself if your roof already has a significant snow/ice accumulation this winter.
Call a qualified tree care company to help remove the ice dams for you. They have training and experience walking over slippery rooftops, and will be using appropriate safety gear to prevent accidents.