Ice and snow can damage your roof, and the ice dams that form on your roof can cause catastrophic amounts of damage.
It won’t be much longer until we have to put up with snowstorms. Ice and snow can damage your roof, and the ice dams that form on your roof can cause catastrophic amounts of damage. That’s why you need to deal with them as soon as you see them. Although you should trust a professional roofer, there are still some things you can do.
Use a Rake
When it comes to breaking up ice, your first thought is most likely to use some tools. That means you’ll be reaching for a shovel, hammer, or chisel. Our best advice is to resist that temptation. Instead, use a rake. If you could use it to pick up fallen leaves around your yard, then it won’t hurt to get a little bit creative with it. For best results, try using a rake that has a long handle and is made of aluminum. That’s because these rakes are best suited for getting debris off of your roof, no matter what it might be.
Try Cold Air
Although this might be an unusual suggestion, it could pay off. Don’t dismiss it just because it sounds counterproductive. The reason why ice dams can form on gutters is because of the hot air inside your home. The air has to go somewhere, and since heat rises, it vents out through the roof of your home. Some of the snow on your roof will melt and then trickle onto the gutters and refreeze. One place where this gets truly nightmarish is under the eaves. Every roof is vulnerable to this, especially if you have a roof that features shingles. Here’s a solution that is surprisingly effective: blow cold air onto the area where the dams are forming. Taking a box fan up into the attic with you and aiming it at any water or condensation that is dripping down could be an unexpected secret weapon that you never knew you needed before now.
Use Some Deicer
If a deicer solution can help make a difference for your car’s windshields, then it can’t hurt to try it on the exterior of your home. Besides, although salt is super useful, you don’t want to damage your roof, windows, or gutter system with it. You won’t have that problem if you use some deicer and some leggings or pantyhose. Here is where the long-handled rake can come in handy, especially if you are nervous about climbing up onto a ladder in the late fall and early winter. It might take some time, but the deicer will do its job!
Contact Topper Construction Today!
If you’re interested in having gutters, a roof system, siding, or water drainage system installed in your new home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience. Contact Topper Construction at 301-874-0220 or email us at info@topperconstruction.com if you are interested in learning more. We can help you with projects in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
