Ice Dam Prevention
Your ice dam prevention service.
Snow, ice dams, roof leaks gone,
by calling icedamsteaming.com.
952-ICE-DAMS or 833-ICE-DAMS
Ice Dam Prevention
Primary & Secondary Options
Ice Dam Steaming offers many forms of ice dam prevention as well as a thermal imaging service. We use infrared thermal imaging cameras combined with a visual inspection to determine the root cause of your ice dam issues. Then we discuss your prevention options. Ice dam prevention is a critical concern for all property owners, especially those with pitched roofs.
Ice dams form when melting snow on a roof refreezes at the cold eaves, trapping water and allowing the dam to grow. This water can then seep into the home, causing significant damage.
Thankfully, there are various methods and technologies available to address this issue, such as the installation of heat lines on the roof, improving ventilation, improving insulation R-values, sealing off attic bypasses and using thermal image cameras to identify these problem areas.
Primarily, improving soffit vents and roof vents, increasing insulation values and eliminating attic bypasses, are the best ways to prevent ice dams. By conducting a home energy audit, such as blower door test or thermal imaging, areas where warm air may be escaping into the attic can be identified. This is the first step in preventing the roof over the interior from becoming too warm and contributing to ice dam formation on the cold overhangs.
Heat lines on the roof are another effective method for ice dam prevention. Heat lines should be considered secondarily if other improvements are not possible. These heat lines, often called heat cables or heat tape, are installed on the colder surface areas of the roof, often extending several feet above the building’s warm interior. This helps to keep the edges of the roof draining and often can be used to prevent the formation of ice dams.
Proper heat line installation is crucial to ensure that the roof is not damaged in the process and ice dam prevention is accomplished. Many companies mistakenly put holes in the roof to fasten the heat lines, which can lead to leaks. Other times we see that the pattern of the heat line is incorrect and still allows ice dams to cause issues.
As an experienced, roofer-owned company, we prioritize applying heat lines in the correct pattern without damaging the roof, ensuring the integrity of your home. Heat lines are also used in the gutters and downspouts to ensure the water has a path to drain.
A thermostat to control when the heat lines turn on and off can also be installed to manage energy usage effectively. This system ensures that the heat lines are only operational when necessary, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing costs. Thermostats also extend the heat cables lifespan.
Roof top snow removal is another essential service for ice dam prevention. Snow can suffocate a roof, preventing it from ‘breathing’ and leading to a hot attic. This, in turn, causes ice dams to form on the cold overhangs. Even the best built properties can become suffocated with snow. Our two-person residential crews and larger commercial crews are fully insured and experienced in safely removing snow from roofs without causing damage.
Ice Dam Prevention
Thermal Image Inspections
Thermal image cameras are a vital tool we employ for inspections, and often we find issues that never would be found otherwise. Some issues we find are missing insulation, attic bypasses, bathroom vents disconnected from the roof vent, ceiling lights improperly insulated, and exposed uninsulated duct work. These are just a few things thermal imaging normally reveals.
Thermal image cameras are invaluable tools in ice dam prevention. These cameras allow for IR thermal inspection, identifying areas of the roof and attic where heat is escaping, moisture is present or cold intrusions. Thermal imaging can reveal areas of damage that are not visible to the naked eye, helping to detect old areas of interior damage and preventing future leaks.
Interesting note: gutter systems also play a vital role in managing ice dams. Gutter helmets or covers often contribute to ice dam formation as they slow down water runoff and extend the cold surface area. Open gutters are preferred because they allow water to flow freely, reducing the risk of ice dams. As a roofer, it’s crucial to think like a drop of water, ensuring it ends up on the ground and not trapped in dirty gutters or frozen on top of gutter guards. Sometimes, gutter covers are even installed under the shingles, changing the roof pitch and slowing down the water drops, which can exacerbate the problem and accelerate freezing.
In summary, ice dam prevention usually requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, discovering why ice dams formed and then discussing a plan to improve the issues. Sometimes this means combining solutions, other times it’s a single step like installing heat lines, improving ventilation, increasing insulation values, removing gutter guards or a reoccurring roof snow removal service. As an experienced, roofer-owned company with integrity, we provide comprehensive services to ensure your roof remains leak-free and your home stays protected.
Our use of advanced technologies like thermal image cameras and careful installation practices ensures that your roof is in the best hands. Preventing ice dams not only protects your home but also extends the lifespan of your roof and reduces costly repairs. Contact us now or click to call below.
Ice Dam Prevention
Service Areas
Ice Dam Steaming offers ice dam prevention to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY.
Ice Dam Steaming fully understands the urgency of our services. Therefore, we ask that you please call us at either 952-ICE-DAMS or call us at 833-ICE-DAMS and also please complete our simple contact form. This will save time on the phone by providing us with your details in advance. Thank you!
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Ice Dam Prevention
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