Ice dams can lead to severe damage to your home if not addressed quickly and efficiently. As winter approaches, homeowners in colder regions must be prepared to deal with this potential hazard. Whether you’re dealing with one already or planning ahead, knowing who to hire to clear ice dams from your roof can save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we’ll discuss the key factors in choosing a reliable professional and why this task is best left to the experts.
Why it’s Important to Clear Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts and refreezes at the edge, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. As more snow melts, water backs up behind the dam, potentially seeping under shingles and causing leaks. Left unchecked, these leaks can damage insulation, drywall, and even the structural integrity of your home. That’s why taking care of ice dams quickly is crucial. But how do you know who to trust for the job?
The Dangers of DIY Ice Dam Removal
Some homeowners may be tempted to handle ice dam removal on their own. However, clearing ice dams from your roof is not a simple task. In fact, it can be dangerous. Climbing onto a slippery, snow-covered roof with tools can lead to accidents, and using improper methods can damage your roofing materials. For example, using sharp objects to chip away at the ice can puncture your shingles and create more problems than it solves.
Professionals have the tools, experience, and safety training to clear ice dams without putting themselves—or your roof—in harm’s way. That’s why it’s best to hire a professional to tackle this risky job.
Who to Hire to Clear Ice Dams From Your Roof
When looking for a professional to handle ice dam removal, choosing a specialist with roofing expertise is essential to ensure the protection of your shingles, flashing, and gutters. At Advantage Construction, we specialize in this area and offer dedicated ice dam removal services. We use a gentle yet effective steam removal technique, which involves converting cold water into low-pressure steam. This steam is applied through a specialized nozzle to carefully melt the ice without damaging the roofing materials. This method is particularly beneficial as it avoids the damaging effects of high-pressure washers on your roof.
We are licensed and insured, providing you with peace of mind through our professionalism and the integrity of our ice dam removal process. We cater to both residential and commercial properties, ensuring that all work is done with meticulous attention to maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Avoid Handyman Services for Ice Dams
While hiring a local handyman might seem like a cost-effective solution, this is one job you don’t want to leave to just anyone. Ice dams require careful removal, and improper techniques can lead to costly roof repairs. Handyman services often lack the specialized equipment and knowledge needed to safely and effectively clear ice dams from your roof. Instead, invest in professionals who specialize in roofing or ice dam removal to ensure the job is done right.
Preventing Ice Dams in the Future
Once you’ve hired someone to clear ice dams from your roof, it’s important to think about long-term prevention. Ice dams often form because of poor attic insulation and ventilation, which allows heat to escape and melt snow unevenly. Consider having a roofing professional inspect your home’s insulation and ventilation system to identify any weaknesses. Properly insulating your attic can prevent ice dams from forming in the future, saving you from repeated removal costs.
Another preventive measure is to have your roof regularly cleared of snow during the winter months. Removing snow before it has a chance to melt and refreeze can significantly reduce the likelihood of ice dam formation.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
To ensure you’re hiring the right professional to clear ice dams from your roof, ask the following questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What methods do you use for ice dam removal?
- Do you have experience specifically with ice dam removal?
- Can you provide references or reviews from past customers?
- Will you inspect my roof for any damage after removing the ice dams?
By asking these questions, you can be confident that the professional you hire is qualified to safely and effectively remove ice dams without causing damage to your roof.
Conclusion
Ice dams are a serious problem that can lead to extensive roof damage if not addressed promptly. While it might be tempting to try removing ice dams yourself, the risk of injury or damage to your roof is too great. Hiring a professional, such as a roofing specialist or a snow removal company with experience in ice dam removal, is the safest and most effective way to handle the situation. Protect your home by making the right choice today, and avoid costly repairs down the line. For expert ice dam removal and roof care, contact Advantage Construction today.
