Ice Dams

If you think your snow problems are over because of the warm up this week, think again.

Melting snow and subsequent refreezing have caused many businesses and homeowners to call for help because of a little-thought-of phenomenon known as ice damming.

According to Dave Scott, vice president of McKinnis Roofing and Sheet Metal, an ice dam is an ice build up at the base of the roof. It is created when snow melts on the bottom side of the roof and then refreezes when the water trickles to the overhang of a roof where there is no heat.

"This year, with the amount of snow, it's been a very big problem," Scott said.

He explained that the large amount of snow has made ice damming a problem, because large amounts of snow act as an insulator. Heat can get trapped underneath the snow, mainly from improper ventilation or poor insulation inside an attic. That heat can melt the snow, which trickles out and then refreezes.

In addition to ice damming, Scott said McKinnis has removed snow from many roofs of businesses and homes alike. Especially on flat roofs, the sheer volume of snow can be a heavy weight load that roofs just can't hold.

"It's a huge weight load that can cause structural damage to a roof," he said.

Roofing contractors like McKinnis remove snow and ice dams. Scott said its best if professionals handle these kind of jobs, because it's dangerous work.

"The safest way to remove snow off the edge of your roof is for a professional to do it with roof rakes from the ground," he said. "One thing people don't want to do is get on the roof, and never try to beat the ice off the edge of the roof. It could cause more damage to the roof."

Even if you don't want to get on your roof but think you can combat ice with science, think again. Scott also discouraged throwing salt on the roof to melt the ice.

'It's a common mistake, but it will rust the gutters out and do damage to siding," he said.

Instead, he recommended a calcium chloride compound that is safe on metal.