Winters in New England can be difficult between bitter temperatures and never-ending snowfall. The effects of winter can cause tremendous wear-and-tear on your roof. As snow accumulates on your roof, ice dams may form, which can cause leaks.
What is an Ice Dam?
Ice dams form on the edges of your roof as the snow melts and pools near your gutters. This occurs under the layer of snow, so the melted water will slide down the roof and refreeze upon being exposed to the frigid air, right around your gutter. As the rest of the snow melts, the water will continue to pool between the angle of your roof and the ice dam. This can cause damage throughout your home. Roof leaks can lead to stains on your ceiling, peeling paint throughout your home and causing structural rot, which can put residents in danger inside your home. Ice dams can also damage your gutters, pulling them down under the weight of ice. The weight of a falling ice dam can also harm people and pets that may be outside.
Preventing Ice Dams
Your roof can only handle around 20 lbs. of snow per square foot before problems begin to form, and there are certain actions you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. If you have a plastic roof rake, you can rake the snow off of your roof as it falls. A plastic roof rake, or one with rubber rollers or bumpers, will limit damage to your shingles as you remove the snow. You will need to go out several times to rake the roof, knocking the snow down layer by layer and working your way along the height of the roof.
Ice Dam Removal in Uxbridge, MA
If you live in Massachusetts and your home develops an ice dam, contact Nor’easter Roofing today! Rob Chaille and his team will come to your home to inspect your roof, remove the dam safely and recommend any work and repairs to be done to keep your home safe. Nor’easter Roofing has an extensive service area across Massachusetts. For a free estimate, call Nor’easter Roofing at 508-667-3278 or fill out our online contact form.