Ice Dams · Kalamazoo, MI
Ice Dam Help in Kalamazoo, MI
Lake-effect snow and freeze-thaw cycles make ice dams a regular winter problem in Southwest Michigan. They form when heat from the house melts snow on the roof and the water refreezes at the cold eaves.
- Roof repairs, replacements and storm damage
- Kalamazoo, Portage and the towns around them
- Get a quote before any work starts
How ice dams form
Warm air leaking into the attic warms the roof deck. Snow melts, runs down to the cold overhang and freezes, building a ridge of ice that traps more water behind it.
Why they leak
Water pooled behind the ice can back up under shingles and into walls and ceilings, even on a roof in good condition.
Warning signs
Thick ice along the eaves, big icicles, water stains on exterior walls or ceilings near the edge of the house during a thaw.
Safe removal
Chipping at ice with a hammer or shovel damages shingles. Roofers use steam to remove ice safely.
Roof rakes
Raking the first few feet of snow from the ground with a long-handled roof rake can reduce ice buildup. Never climb onto a snowy roof.
Long-term fix
Sealing air leaks into the attic, adding insulation and improving ventilation keep the roof deck cold and stop most ice dams.
Ice and water membrane
When the roof is replaced, a self-adhering membrane at the eaves adds protection if an ice dam forms.
Gutters
Gutters full of ice and debris make ice dams worse. Clean them in late fall.
Get help
Tell the roofer where the ice and any leaks are. Send a request and a roofer will get in touch.
Attic hatch
Weatherstripping and insulating the attic hatch is a cheap first step that stops a major air leak.
Ventilation check
Make sure soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation and that the ridge vent is clear, so cold air can flow under the roof deck.
Frequently asked questions
- Do heat cables work?
- They can help in problem spots but don't fix the cause. Sealing and insulating the attic does.
- Should I remove icicles?
- Only small ones you can reach safely from the ground. Large icicles are dangerous; leave them to a roofer.
Other roofing services
Need ice dams in Kalamazoo?
Send a request and a roofer will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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