Ice Dam Removal
At Peterson Services, we know ice dams are a common occurrence in the Fargo/Moorhead area. With our harsh winters, ice builds up on the eaves of sloped roofs creating the icicles you often see along roof edges. When the ice beneath a snow-packed roof begins to melt, it drains down to the colder surface at your gutters and freezes creating ice dams.
As warmer temperatures lead to melting snow, this water has nowhere to go. As a result that water is forced under your shingles and into the vulnerable materials below leading to costly leaks. However, you can prevent leaks from happening with Peterson’s ice dam removal service.
ABOUT ICE DAMS
Where Do Ice Dams Form?
Ice dams tend to form in five common areas:
- EEaves: The eaves are located at the lower edges of your roof, projecting outwards over your home’s walls. They have colder surfaces than the rest of your roof allowing ice dams to form.
- EValleys: The “valleys” of your roof are located in areas where two pitched roofs meet such as dormers.
- ESkylights: If your home has skylights, it is not uncommon for ice dams to form at the top and bottom of the skylight.
- ENear openings: All roofs have openings such as vents and pipes which when poorly ventilated can lead to heat escaping and ice dam formation.
- EBathrooms & Vaulted Ceilings: Interior rooms with vaulted ceilings as well as bathrooms can both be common areas where ice dams form on the roof above.
If your home has any of these features, it is important to speak to the experts at our ice dam removal company.
Ice Dams Explained
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As water sits behind the ice dam, it begins to leak into your home, damaging insulation, and later causing mold to mildew
Heat escaping from the attic or roof space of your house melts the snow on your roof
As the snow melts, water accumulates and freezes at the eaves of your roof which causes the ice dam that prevents snow from draining off the roof as it should
Ice dams form around the edges of your roof and your gutters freeze
Ice dams impede the draining of water which allows water to build up underneath and within the edge of your roof
Water causes damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and insulation
ICE DAM REMOVAL
Ice Dam Removal Services in Fargo
Once ice dams form, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of leaks and damage. Our ice dam steaming service is the best way to remove ice dams safely and effectively. Ice dam steaming converts cold water into low-pressure steam to gently reach below the ice dam and ease it off your eaves, roof, and gutters.
Our gentle process avoids the damage caused by pressure washer services used to force ice dams off the roof. Pressure washers can lift shingles, crack gutters, and erode the protective granules from your roof’s shingles. This damage reduces the effectiveness of your roof, leading to roof failure.
Where Do Ice Dams Commonly Form?
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The areas above garages and porches very rarely suffer ice dams because the areas beneath are not heated
The valleys of dormers on roofs are not often affected with ice dams
Skylights are huge problem areas for ice dams. They are hard to detect because you cannot see them from the ground so you have to check them often in order to avoid damage
Opening such as pipes and vents where heat can escape are common areas ice dams forms
The valleys of the roof are a very common place what ice dams form. These areas need to be handled with care when affected by an ice dam because they can easily be damaged
Low pitched roofs need to be closely watched as damage can occur from even the smallest ice dams.
The edge of your roof also called the eave, is the most common place for an ice dam to form
The area above rooms which change in temperatures often such as bathrooms are known to suffer frequent ice dams
Chimneys and furnace flues often experience ice dams because heat escapes from these openings
ABOUT ICE DAMS
Risk of Ice Dams
Ice dams force water from melting ice and snow upwards penetrating the vulnerable materials below. As water seeps into the home it eventually reaches your attic, ceilings, walls, and foundation leading to:
- EWood rot on your roof decking, rafters, wall framing and sheathing
- EMold growth from dampness
- EDamage to gutters, siding, roofing, shingles, etc. from icicles
- ERisk of injury due to falling ice and icicles to people below
- ERisk of damage to property and vehicles due to falling ice and icicles
- EPermanent damage to insulation
- EInterior damage including peeling and blistering wall and trim surfaces, carpeting and wood floors, furniture, lighting, electrical, and more
Ice dam removal is the best way to avoid the costly damage of ice dams. To have ice dams removed from your home, call the experts at Peterson Services for a free quote today.
For more information on removing ice dams on your roof, call Peterson Services for a quote today.