Whether you’re flipping burgers in July or raking leaves in October, this isn’t the season for ice—yet. But if you own a home in the Collingwood, Ontario area, ice damming is a winter headache that’s always worth thinking about ahead of time. Because once it starts, the damage moves fast, and we’d rather you hear about it now.
What is Ice Damming?
Ice damming occurs when snow on your roof melts due to heat escaping from your home’s attic. This meltwater then runs down to the colder roof eaves, which are typically unheated and extend beyond the warm interior of your home. There, the water refreezes, forming a barrier of ice. As more snow melts, water backs up behind this ice barrier, pooling under your shingles. This trapped water can then seep into your attic, walls, and ceilings, causing significant interior damage.
How Do You Spot It?
The most obvious signs of ice damming are large icicles forming along your roof’s edge, often accompanied by a thick ridge of ice at the gutters. While icicles can look picturesque, if they’re attached to a bulky ice buildup along the lower edge of your roof, they’re a red flag. Inside your home, you should watch for water stains on ceilings or walls or damp spots in your attic. These indicate water has already breached your roof’s defences.
How Do You Stop It?
The best way to prevent ice damming is to ensure a cold roof. This means addressing the root cause: heat loss from your home into the attic. Consider upgrading your attic insulation and ensuring proper ventilation as well. And if you do encounter ice damming, don’t try to chip away at the ice yourself; this can severely damage your roof and gutter system. Instead, give us a call today for a safe, professional, and effective solution.