Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it also comes with certain hazards—one of the most common being ice dams.

An ice dam is a buildup of ice that forms along the edges of your roof, typically caused by improper insulation or ventilation. As heat from your home rises and escapes through the roof, it melts the snow that’s settled there. The melted snow runs down the roof until it reaches the colder edges, where it refreezes, creating thick blocks of ice. Over time, this can lead to several significant issues, including water damage, structural damage, and mold growth.

At Green Tree Environmental, we know that preventing water damage is crucial in protecting your home from mold, which can thrive in the aftermath of ice dam-related water damage. Below, we’ll cover the dangers of ice dams, how to prevent them, and what to do if faced with one.

The Dangers of Ice Dams

Ice dams can be more than just an eyesore; they pose real risks to your home’s structural integrity and the safety of your family:

• Falling Ice Hazards: Large ice dams can break off and fall, posing a serious risk to anyone below. They can damage vehicles and property or, worse, cause injury to people walking beneath them.
• Roof and Gutter Damage: The weight of an ice dam can damage your shingles and gutters. Sometimes, the ice may be heavy enough to rip gutters off the roof, exposing your home to water damage.
• Water Seepage: One of the most concerning issues with ice dams is how they allow water to pool on your roof. When water gets trapped beneath the ice, it has nowhere to go but inside your home. Over time, this can lead to water seeping into your ceilings and walls, causing serious damage.
• Mold Growth: Long-term water damage caused by ice dams often creates the perfect conditions for mold growth. If left unchecked, this mold can rot your roof from the inside out, compromise the air quality in your home, and even pose health risks to you and your family.

Steps to Prevent Ice Dams

The best way to avoid the dangers of ice dams is to take preventive steps before winter weather hits. Here are a few practical strategies:

• Check Your Attic Insulation and Ventilation: Proper insulation is essential to keeping your roof at a consistent temperature. Heat escaping from your attic is the primary cause of ice dams. Ensure your attic has adequate insulation to keep the heat inside your home. Additionally, check that your attic ventilation is working correctly to allow cold air to circulate and prevent warm air from accumulating at the roofline.
• Use Ice Melt Products: If you already see ice dams forming, a calcium chloride ice melt product can help break them up. Be careful when applying this product to ensure it doesn’t damage your roof or siding. It’s a temporary solution, but it can be effective in preventing further ice buildup.
• Monitor for Frosty Buildup: Keep an eye out for any frosty buildup on the edges of your roof throughout the winter. Snap photos of any areas where ice starts to accumulate and use these pictures to target an interior inspection. Check for any water leaks or moisture in your ceilings and walls, as these are early indicators of potential water damage from ice dams.

Steps to Remove Ice Dams

If an ice dam has already formed, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage:

• Ensure Safety First: If an ice dam is hanging dangerously over walkways or other areas where people may pass, take steps to keep everyone safe. Block off the area to prevent anyone from walking underneath the falling ice.
• Call a Roofing Contractor: Removing ice dams can be hazardous work, so it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove the built-up ice and assess any damage to your roof.
• Check for Water Leaks and Mold: After removing the ice, it’s crucial to assess any potential water damage inside your home. Call a New York State-licensed indoor environmental inspector to check for mold and evaluate the extent of the damage. If moisture has seeped into your walls or ceilings, you may need to dry out the affected areas and take steps to prevent mold growth.
• Work with Water Damage Contractors: In severe cases, working with a water damage contractor is advisable to ensure your home is adequately dried out and any mold prevention measures are taken. The longer moisture is left untreated, the greater the chance of mold spreading and causing further damage.

Protect Your Home This Winter

Ice dams are a common winter hazard, but they don’t have to cause significant damage to your home. You can reduce the risk of water damage and mold growth by taking preventive measures and addressing any ice dams as soon as they form.