by United Roofing MN | Feb 24, 2011
Steam Roof Snow and Ice Dam Removal Minneapolis MN Ice Dams Have Been A Big Problem For Minnesota Homeowners Ice Dam Defense Ice damming has been a big problem here in Minnesota this year. Record snowfall amounts in December, preceded and interspersed by bouts of sleety precipitation, produced the perfect storm for ice dams to flourish. Although sometimes thought of as a problem with roofing or attic ventilation, ice dams are actually caused by the presence of warm air in the attic, combined with snow on the roof and the right weather conditions. Ice dams occur when heat leaks into the attic and melts the underside of the snow on the roof. The melted snow then flows down the roof surface until it reaches a cold spot (such as the eaves or soffit) where it forms a frozen dam, behind which more snowmelt and ice pile up. The ice build-up can back up under the shingles, damaging them and allowing water to leak to the ceilings and walls below. The source of ice dams: attic air leaks Warm air leaking from the house into the attic is the primary cause of ice dams. Anywhere there is a penetration into the attic space (around wires, plumbing vents, light fixtures, chimneys, and knee walls) there is the potential for air leaks. Even homes that are only a few years old may not be properly sealed. To avoid these types of problems and eliminate most ice dams, attic air leaks must be sealed with caulking or expanding spray foam. Solutions Sealing attic air leaks saves energy and is key to preventing ice dams....
by United Roofing MN | Feb 22, 2011
Roof Damage From Ice Dams this Winter MN Winter Roof Damage Ice dams in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area of Minnesota can be nightmares, potentially costing you thousands. Minnesota winters are hard on our homes. Ice dams are created by a number of factors, most importantly the damage they cause can be significant; water leaks, ice buildup, shingle damage, gutter damage and even structural damage or failure. The severe weather this winter is not only a headache for commuters but it can also be a huge hassle and hazard for Minnesota homeowners. If you have long icicles hanging from your gutters, that’s a warning sign of possible ice dams on your roof which could lead to major damage to your home. If you see a buildup of ice and an accumulation of icicles, you need to have a roofing contractor come and check it out. If left unattended, it can be quite expensive to fix. Call a professional: Removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous. A good place to start is with a reputable roofing contractor. Check and get estimates and references from contractors in your area. Gutter cleaning companies may also offer this service. Remove snow from the roof: If you’re tackling the job yourself, there is a special tool for removing snow called a “roof rake”. Carefully pull it down the slope of the roofline. Never pull snow across the roof. You could damage the shingles. Chip away at the ice: For immediate action, you can chip away through the ice dam so the water can flow through. Stop when you get close to the...
by United Roofing MN | Feb 21, 2011
Winter Storm Socks The Midwest Again! Prevent Roof Damage From Roof Snow and Ice Dams A winter storm that blew through the upper Midwest again on Feb. 20, 2011, left Minnesota homeowners with MORE snow on their roofs. The National Weather Service said up to 13 inches had fallen in the Twin Cities by Sunday night and light snow and freezing drizzle continued into Monday morning. The storm brought with it winds of 15 to 30 mph. In the wake of these monster snow falls it is important to keep an eye on your roof as these extreme amounts of snow can be troublesome, and ice dams can begin to form as the snow accumulates. An ice dam is formed on a slanted roof when heat from the attic causes snow on the roof to melt. This water flows down the roof and then freezes when it reaches the edge of the roof where it comes in contact with the colder air. This keeps additional run off from draining off of the roof. The water then builds up behind the ice dam where it can seep under shingles and into the house. How to Spot an Ice Dam The tell tale sign of an ice dam is a lot of icicles or a large icicle hanging from the roof. You might also find ice in your gutters or downspouts, which will cause water to back up behind it and into the house. What Causes an Ice Dam? Warm roofs likely the cause of ice dams. Ice dams are caused by heat escaping through your roof and melting the snow sitting on the roof. This...
by United Roofing MN | Feb 8, 2011
Minneapolis Ice Dam Removal | Ice Dam Removal MN Snow is piling up on buildings and homes across the state Ice dams are as common to Minnesota winters as hockey and ice fishing but for Minnesota property owners this is shaping up as a really bad catastrophe year. Winter this year in the Midwest has been brutal! It has taken a toll on many roofs with ice dams. Homeowners that have attempted to remove them by themselves know all too well that it is a precarious operation in many instances. Unless you can do it safely, don’t jeopardize your well-being by trying to remove it yourself; here, there’s no shame in leaving this dangerous work to a professional with the appropriate experience and equipment. Let the trained roofing professionals safely eliminate snow and ice from your roof using proper techniques to help prevent leaks caused by snow build up and ice dams using special shovels for snow and steam to melt away ice to insure no damage is done to your...
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