Protect Your Roof from Ice Dams; Tips from a Des Moines Roofing Company — Winter weather in the Midwest can sure wreak havoc on your home, but especially your roof. Your roof is often the first point of contact for rain, snow, sleet, and heavy winds. This means your roof has the tough job of protecting the structure and the inside of your home from the outdoors. Although, if you hire the best roofer in Des Moines to install a new roof that is made with the highest quality, then you know it can withstand some pretty tough conditions.

However, some significant winter weather conditions may cause permanent damage. This article will discuss one of the major causes of damage to your roof during the winter, ice dams, and how a roofing company in Des Moines prevents them from developing.

A Des Moines Roofing Company Explains Ice Dams

Ice dams are a rim of ice that begins to form on your roof when snow or ice melts and then refreezes. Over time this starts to form a collection of ice in one location of your roof, usually the edges. When these dams start to hold water on your roof without draining, this can cause significant water damage to your roof and puts you at risk for having a leaking roof. If that happens, an expert on residential roof repair in Des Moines will have to pay you a visit.

If you find yourself investigating your roof during the winter and notice an ice dam, there are things that you can do to get rid of it. This will allow water to drain and your roofing system to be healthier. The process is quite simple. It just takes a few supplies and a little time to fix.

First, gather your supplies, including a ladder, a safety spotter for your ladder, a hose, and some warm water.

Next, climb the ladder safely with a spotter at the bottom of your ladder. A Des Moines roofing company suggests having a spotter to ensure the ladder stays firm on the ground. Next, turn your hose on warm water and direct it to the ice dam.

It is imperative that you not spray a hose on full stream onto your roof shingles. If you spray water upward with powerful pressure, you can knock loose shingles, causing a leak. Instead, gently drizzle the warm water over the ice dam to melt away the buildup slowly. This will allow melted snow to drain into your gutter and away from your home’s foundation.

Lastly, check your gutters to make sure they are clear and there is no ice buildup in the guttering system itself. If you notice ice buildup, repeat the same step until all the ice is melted and water is freely flowing from your gutters.

Again, it’s essential to use a gentle stream of warm or hot water, resist the temptation to use a pressure washer or full stream hose to get it done faster. This can result in damage to your roof, causing more harm than good. If you aren’t sure how to do this, it’s a good idea to call a roofing company in Des Moines for suggestions.

It’s also important to note that you cannot simply knock down an ice dam with a stick or something of that nature because it can rip off the shingles or cause significant damage if the ice is stuck to the shingles or wood. Ice melt, salt, or other chemicals meant for concrete and ground use, these are all options that could damage your roofing system and shouldn’t be used on ice dams.

Now that we know how to fix an ice dam properly, there are ways to prevent them from happening in the first place.

A good question to ask might be, “What is causing ice dams to form on my roof?”

Usually, ice dams don’t typically form on a healthy and functioning roof. There could be some underlying issues that need to be fixed by a Des Moines roofing company. Here are a few troublesome areas to keep an eye on:

Poor Home Ventilation

Ventilation usually has the end of its run near the top of your roof. If you own a home in which these ends run out near your roof, you might have the perfect environment for an ice dam to form. A good rule of thumb is to have your vents and runs end through your walls or another less vulnerable part of your home.

Bad Gutters

Gutters are often the most neglected part of the home, but one of the most important. Gutters are the primary way water is drained from your home’s roof, protecting your foundation. When they are clear of debris and can drain properly, this allows for water to consistently flow away from your home. Ice dams rarely start in your guttering system, but a clog does exasperate the problem. To avoid buildup, make sure and regularly clean out your gutters with the help of the best roofer in Des Moines.

Attic Insulation

Attic insulation can make a big impact on your roof in the winter. The best roofer in Des Moines knows that when your attic is properly insulated, the heat from inside your home will stay inside more efficiently. This gives your roof a better chance at not melting the snow into water and then quickly refreezing into ice dams.

According to a Des Moines Roofing Company, Prevention is Key

You can most likely prevent ice dams by tweaking a few small things that we discussed previously. But it’s also a good idea to do a yearly health check on your roof with the best roofing company in Des Moines.

Most roofing companies offer a free consultation and look at your roof. Even if there is a small fee when you weigh the cost of a new roof or extensive repair, you are saving lots of money and frustration by paying for the regular checkup as opposed to a major roof overhaul. A Des Moines roofing company would agree that a lot of roof fixes could have been minimized if they were caught sooner.

At Robison Roofing, we are your trusted source for commercial roof repair in Des Moines. We provide fast and professional service for every kind of roof. Our team of professionals is here to service your roof from start to finish; we even provide residential roof repair in Des Moines.

For a free estimate on your next project, call us at 515-882-2200.

Robison Roofing is committed to providing you with the best options for your roof system and design. We approach every roofing project with a focus on functionality, cost, and aesthetics. Each project is handled with unique perspective and integrity. Ingenuity and an eye for solutions make Robison Roofing, a roofing contractor in Des Moines the obvious choice for residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial roofing systems.