How to Remove Ice Dams & Avoid Winter Roof Damage in Bronxville

Bronxville’s mix of snowfall, freezing temperatures, and older architecture makes homes vulnerable to ice dams. These ridges of ice along your roof’s edge cause leaks, warped ceilings, ruined insulation, and thousands of dollars in repairs. Understanding how ice dams form and how to remove and prevent them safely will save you a lot of money from costly winter damage.

What Are Ice Dams and Why Do They Form?

Ice dams form when heat from the attic melts the snow on the roof. The melting snow flows down and refreezes near the roof’s colder edges, creating an ice dam that prevents proper drainage. As more melting snow flows down the roof, water backs up under the shingles, leading to roof leaks and interior damage.

Signs You Have an Ice Dam

Spotting an ice dam early saves you from major damage inside your home. Here are a few key things to look out for:

• Thick bands of ice along the roof edge or in gutters
• Icicles forming from eaves or soffits
• Water stains or dripping on walls or ceilings inside your home
• Cold drafts or sagging insulation in the attic

Safe Ways to Remove Ice Dams

Removing ice dams requires strategic care to prevent causing more harm. Using the wrong tools or techniques can damage your shingles or cause injuries. Here are some safe, effective methods to eliminate ice dams (and remember to call a professional roofing company if you feel uncomfortable with any of this):

Use a Roof Rake

Right after a snowfall, use a long-handled roof rake to remove snow from the first 3 to 4 feet of your roof. This reduces the amount of melting snow and prevents water from pooling and freezing near the eaves. Always rake from the ground, and never climb a ladder in icy conditions. Be mindful as you rake the snow so that it doesn’t fly down and hurt you, too. Snow can be heavy when it falls. 

Apply Ice-Melting Products

You can use calcium chloride ice melt to break up the ice dam. Fill a sock or pantyhose with the ice melt and lay it vertically across the dam so it melts a channel for water to drain through. Avoid rock salt, as it’s a fairly harsh chemical and can damage the shingles and gutters. 

Call a Professional

For large or strong ice dams, hire a professional roofing contractor. Experts use low-pressure steamers to safely melt the ice without harming your roof. At A & J Reliable, we provide fast and professional ice dam removal services for Bronxville homeowners during the peak winter months.

What Not to Do When Removing Ice Dams

Many homeowners panic and try DIY methods that do more harm than good. Avoid these common mistakes that can be more harmful than helpful on your roof:

• Don’t use a hammer or chisel: Trying to break the ice can shatter shingles and puncture the roof deck.
• Don’t pour hot water on the ice: It will freeze again quickly and create dangerous icicles.
• Don’t climb onto a snowy or icy roof: It’s extremely dangerous and unnecessary.