How to Install a Roof Tarp for Leaks

Install a Roof Tarp: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. How to Tarp a Roof
2. How to Tarp a Roof Around a Chimney
3. How to Tarp a Roof Without Nails
4. How Long Can You Leave a Tarp on Your Roof?
5. Get Help with Your Damaged Roof

There’s a problem with your roof, but your roofer is too busy to come by and fix the problem right away. What should you do? This is a common situation that homeowners may find themselves in after a major storm or hurricane has blown through town. After extreme weather events, roofers are so busy fixing multiple roofs throughout town that they don’t have time to address even emergency repairs right away. In this case, you may opt to add a temporary roof tarp to prevent further damage.

A roof tarp, when secured properly, can protect your roof from new rain, snow or wind. It can prevent holes or missing shingles from turning into leaks and can keep existing leaks from getting worse. Not only is protecting your roof with a tarp a wise precaution to shield your home, but it may also be necessary under your homeowners insurance policy. If you don’t limit the damage that the storm has caused on your roof and the rest of your home, your insurance company could refuse to cover the additional damage, even if it will cover the costs of the initial damage.

You should hire a professional roofer to put up a roof tarp. Attaching a tarp doesn’t take much time, and roofers are also motivated to do this work as it increases the odds that you’ll wait until they can fit you into their schedule instead of choosing another roofer.

You should not attempt to place a tarp by yourself. Standing on the roof without proper safety training and equipment is dangerous at the best of times, never mind after a major storm or when you suspect your roof has damage. It’s easier to fall off wet roofs or those with tripping hazards, such as loose shingles. Roofs that are extremely damaged may even collapse under your weight. If you’re the type of person who likes to take action, look into safe things you can do to prepare for your roof replacement in nonemergency situations.

While a professional should do the actual work of attaching the tarp, you may want to make sure that your roof is tarped properly, to ensure your peace of mind and to reassure your insurance company. So, we’ll explain how to install a roof tarp and answer some common questions homeowners have about the process.

How to Tarp a Roof

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to secure a tarp to a roof:

Tools required:

• Ladder and safety equipment.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Measuring tape.
• Suitably sized tarp.
• Thin wooden boards, 2×4 or thinner.
• Tool to remove debris, such as a roofing shovel.
• Nails or screws.

1. Examine the Roof and Measure

To start, your roofers must first examine the roof to determine which parts of the roof need a tarp. They may survey the roof from a ladder, wear a safety harness to inspect the damage physically or use a drone. Using a tape measure, they’ll determine what size tarp they will need to cover the damaged area.

2. Take Pictures

You should ask your roofers to take pictures of the damaged parts of the roof to show to your insurance company. You should take pictures before the tarp is applied and before any debris is removed from the roof unless removing the debris is necessary to see the full extent of the damage.

3. Select Tarp

Your roofers will select a tarp to place on your roof. As the tarp should extend a few feet past any damage to provide proper protection, it should be larger than the area the roofers have measured. Ideally, the tarp will also be long enough to hang over the ridge of the roof. When the tarp hangs over both sides of the roof, water will roll onto the tarp smoothly, without getting beneath it. If the water rolls down the roof and then reaches the lip where the tarp begins, it is more likely to work its way under the tarp.

The quality of tarp needed may also depend on how soon your roofing team expects to be able to get to your roof, or whether or not the severe weather is expected to return.

4. Remove Debris

Next, your roofers will remove any loose debris from the roof, including shingles and nails. If debris is left behind, it can clog gutters, interfere with the proper flow of water and create the opportunity for more roof issues.

5. Unfurl Tarp

Two or more roofers will be needed to unfurl the tarp and place it over the damage. If your roofers are using an adhesive roof tarp, they may then remove the backing on the adhesive to secure the tarp. Adhesive tarps can be a challenge to install, but they are similar to the ice and water protectors that roofers use all the time. Although, the shingles beneath an adhesive tarp will need to be replaced, because the adhesive pulls up some granules.

If your roofers are not using an adhesive tarp, they will need to complete a few more steps in order to weigh down the tarp.

6. Secure Tarp

In order to secure a tarp with nails or screws, your roofers will need to wrap the end of the tarp around a piece of lumber as an anchor. The board helps give weight to the tarp to keep it on the roof and prevent it from flapping around. Also, if your roofers were to add a few nails to the tarp, this would create points where the tarp could easily rip. When the whole end of a tarp is wrapped around the board, it spreads out the pressure through the whole tarp, making it much less likely to rip off.

Depending on the extent of the damage, your roofing team may need to add several boards to ensure the tarp will stay in place. They’ll also need to position the boards carefully to prevent water dams. For example, the boards should not be perfectly horizontal. One end should be lower on the roof, allowing water to drain off that side.

7. Nail or Screw Boards Down

After they roll the edge of the tarp around a thin wooden board, the roofers will secure the board to the roof with nails or screws. The nails or screws should be driven right into the shingles. All these shingles will need to be replaced when the roofers repair the roof; but this is a small price to pay to prevent more water intrusion.

How to Tarp a Roof Around a Chimney

It is more challenging to tarp a roof if the damage is near roof features, such as chimneys, plumbing vents and skylights. While you can leave a skylight covered by a tarp, it would be a serious safety hazard to leave a plumbing vent or chimney covered. In general, your roofer should cut a hole for these features and then tape the edges of the tarp to it. It is very important to use quality tape to keep these areas watertight. Some tapes may not adhere well to chimney masonry; so, your roofer may need to tape the tarp to the chimney flashing.

How to Tarp a Roof Without Nails

Most roofers will use screws when attaching the tarp’s anchor boards to the roof. However, if you want to avoid making additional punctures in the roof, you can use an adhesive roof tarp. These have a glue-like material built in to stick to the shingles. However, these tarps may be less secure than tarps secured with wooden boards and nails; so, you should check on them regularly to make sure they are still in place. Using an adhesive roof tarp may require additional effort to remove the adhesive residue or replacing the shingles that the tarp was adhered to.

How Long Can You Leave a Tarp on Your Roof?

Ideally, you would leave the tarp on your roof for as little time as possible. That said, as long as the tarp is in good condition, without tears or rips, and as long as the water isn’t getting beneath it, it can be left in place. When your tarp will wear out depends on the quality of the tarp and the conditions it is exposed to.

If you’re concerned that your tarp isn’t effectively protecting your roof anymore, you should reach out to the roofers who put it in place. They should be able to tell you if anything has changed since their initial installation.

Get Help with Your Damaged Roof

It is important to get a tarp on your roof as soon as the bad weather has cleared so that it is in place if another storm rolls in. It is also important to get repairs done as soon as possible and not leave the tarp on for an extended period. If you’re looking for a roofer to help with emergency roof repairs or to just place a tarp, look for a local contractor through IKO’s Contractor Locator

The Storm is Over. Now What?

Storm is Over: Ensure Your Loved Ones’ Safety

Is there anything more important than the safety of those you love? Once the storm has passed, it’s time to turn your attention to the shelter that protected them. If your roof has been damaged, it’s important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home and property. It can be hard to know where to start, which is why we’ve compiled these top tips to help.

Table of Contents:

Check Your Roof for Damage
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Call in the PROs

Check Your Roof for Damage.

It’s important to know how badly your roof has been damaged, to prevent further harm to your belongings and to provide your insurance agent with some basic information.  In checking your roof for damage, unless you are experienced in working at heights and have the necessary safety equipment, you should limit your investigations to visual inspections from street level and have a professional roofer conduct a full inspection for you.

Download Checklist

Here’s what to look out for in different weather conditions:

Snow: A roof stacked with a fresh coat of white snow may look pretty, but if a heavy pile of it is left long enough, the accumulated weight can damage the roof’s structure and gutters. Using IKO StormShield to create a watertight seal can help protect the most vulnerable areas of the roof that are susceptible to water leakage caused by ice and snow accumulation.

Wind: After a heavy windstorm, you may find yourself with wind-damaged roof shingles. Homeowners must know what to look for when assessing wind damage to asphalt roof shingles. This will help to determine if you should call a roofing contractor for repairs. During the storm, you may have noticed your roof shingles flapping in the wind. If this is the case, you should have a look around your property for any missing shingles that may have blown off your roof. You should also look for cracked and lifted shingles. If you must replace your roof due to wind damage, pay attention to the roof shingles’ wind rating when deciding on a replacement shingle. IKO Nordic and Dynasty shingles are reinforced with ArmourZone for exceptional high-wind performance, making them some of the best wind-resistant shingles on the market.

Heavy Rain: When a roof is in good condition and properly installed, rain damage is rare. However, if your gutters are clogged, the water may not be able to drain off your roof properly. This can result in the water slowly damaging the roofing materials. In very heavy downpours, water can quickly gush out of downspouts, potentially damaging landscaping. A downspout diverter or extension can help redirect excess storm rainwater, resulting in less ground damage.

Hail: Hail damage to roof shingles may not always be the most obvious, but it is critical to look for deterioration before it leads to water damage inside your home. So, what does hail damage look like on roof shingles? Some things to look out for include patches of the shingles’ black asphalt left exposed due to missing surface granules, small divots or dents and cracks or dents in roof accessories. When dealing with hail damage, roofing contractors can help to determine the damage and suggest the best course of action for repair. IKO Nordic, Crowne Slate and Armourshake shingles have been tested for impact resistance and have achieved the highest rating possible, Class 4.* These are IKO’s best asphalt shingles for regions subject to hail and may be good replacement shingles to minimize future hail damage.

* The Impact Resistance ratings are solely for the purpose of enabling residential property owners to obtain a reduction in their residential insurance premium, if available. This is not a guarantee of impact resistance against hail. Damage from hail is not covered under the limited warranty.

Contact Your Insurance Agent.

Whether you call a professional roofing contractor or your insurance agent first, they will need information from each other in order to evaluate the damage and provide an estimate for your insurance claim. Ideally, invite your adjuster and your contractor to meet at your home, to work together most efficiently.

Before you make that call, check out this handy guide on how to deal with insurance:

Learn More

Call in the PROs.

Once you’ve contacted your insurance agent, it’s important to do what you can to avoid further damage by keeping water out until your chosen contractor can start the project.

Click here to find an IKO-approved contractor in your area:

Find a Contractor

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Before you call your insurance agent, here’s a checklist you can use to prepare for your claim.

DEALING WITH INSURANCE AND OTHER ISSUES

• Always seek advice from a qualified insurance professional. Never try to settle an insurance claim on your own.
• Beware of “storm-chasers”. People who may represent themselves as either roofing or insurance experts often appear at the door of homeowners who have experienced storm damage. They may claim they’ll be able to get you a new roof or have you sign what’s called a “contingency agreement” so they can climb up to assess the damage. Such a document may legally bind your claim to their company.
• Never sign anything before you read it fully, have your questions adequately answered and know exactly who they are or whom they represent.
• Before you hire a roofing contractor, ask to see all licenses and certificates of insurance that your municipal, state or provincial laws require and ensure that all are up to date.
• Once your insurance adjuster and selected roofing contractor have worked out the essential details, the insurance settlement may be sufficient to pay for a new roof that’s similar or better than the one you had before.
• Consider not only the style and color of a possible new roof, but the available warranties, accessory products and application methods that might protect your home and family best should similar extreme weather events occur in future. Ask your contractor for options and to see samples of actual shingles before you commit to buying.

Find a qualified IKO roofing contractor in your area.
Here’s what to ask a contractor.

First-Time Home Buyer’s Checklist What To Look for When Buying a Home

What’s on Your Essential Home Buyer’s Checklist?

So, you’re planning to buy a house. Let us be the first to say congratulations! Buying a home is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. But it can also feel a bit overwhelming. This is one of the biggest investments you’ll make and shouldn’t be done lightly. Before you sign your name on the dotted line, there is a lot to consider, especially for first-time buyers.

Whether buying a new build or an existing home, we want your homeownership journey to be as exciting and fulfilling as possible. Using our decades of experience working with contractors, home inspectors, specifiers and more, we’ve compiled a little home buyer’s checklist and inspection guide so you can buy with confidence.

Please remember that this article is meant to provide advice for new home buyers only and is not a substitute for legal or financial advice. It should also not be considered a complete guide to home inspections. No home is perfect, and issues will undoubtedly arise. The goal is to provide you with enough information to help you make an informed decision. We’ve broken down our home buyer’s checklist into the following steps, which will be discussed in detail below:

1. Viewing the Home:
   1. Roof.
   2. Gutters and Drainage Systems.
   3. Foundation.
   4. Bedrooms.
   5. Living Room.
   6. Kitchen.
   7. Bathrooms.
   8. Basement.
2. Getting a Home Inspection.
3. What a Home Inspection Isn’t.
4. Can a Home Fail an Inspection?
5. Hiring a Home Inspector.

Viewing the Home

Viewing a home is one of the best parts of buying a home. While it can’t tell you everything you need to know when buying a house, it’s a great place to start. The trick is to know what to look for. To help make the best decision possible, here are some inspection tips for new homeowners to consider when viewing a home.

Roof

The roof is the first thing you should look at when approaching a potential home. From the ground, inspect the state of the shingles. See if they are curling severely, if any are missing, or if any areas look completely worn out. Curling shingles aren’t necessarily a sign that the roof is leaking, but they could indicate that the roof may have to be replaced sooner than you’re prepared for.

Also, check to see if any areas appear to be buckling. This could mean water has infiltrated the roofing deck, affecting its dimensional stability and possibly its structural integrity. Keep this in mind when inspecting the attic and see if you spot any signs of water damage.

Check for algae or moss growing on the roof, or mold in the attic. This can appear as dark, white, green, or black patches and can indicate poor ventilation and/or water leakage. Also, look around and see if there are any overhanging trees touching or sitting extremely close to the roof, as this may cause issues in the future.

If you’re looking at a semidetached home, inspect the neighbor’s roof as well. When talking to the seller, ask them how old the roof is, if it’s been replaced and why.

Gutters and Drainage Systems

While you’re there, look at the roof’s drainage system. Gutters and downspouts should capture and direct runoff away from the house, protecting it from water damage. Take a walk around to see if you can spot any gaps or breaks that would cause water to run down rather than away from the house. If the fascia (the board beneath the gutters) is damaged or degraded, that could mean the gutters are frequently clogged. Damaged fascia can also cause leaks and allow animals to get in.

Check to see if the downspouts have an extension. A downspout without an extension may cause water to pool, causing soil saturation, which can damage the foundation. All downspouts should have an attachment to carry water safely away from the house.

Foundation

Inspecting the foundation can be tricky as it’s usually covered up externally by soil, decks, porches, etc., and internally by drywall. However, there are a few ways to inspect its structural integrity. Look for any cracks in the walls, particularly around doorways or windows, and see if any doors or windows stick or jam. These may all be signs that the foundation has shifted. Remember, downspouts without an extension may also affect the foundation’s integrity. An unfinished basement will likely give you the best view of the foundation and reveal any cracks or water damage.

Bedrooms

When inspecting the bedrooms, the first thing to consider is the size. Take note of window placement. Will there be a lot of natural light? Is there enough privacy? Walk from each bedroom to the bathroom to get a feel of how far it is and check all light switches. Check the ceiling and walls for any water damage. Finally, scan the room for outlets. We use a lot of devices nowadays, so having multiple outlets within reaching distance will make all the difference in the world. Do you really want to get out of bed every time you have to plug your phone in?

Living Room

As you did in the bedrooms, consider the size, windows and outlet placement when walking through the living room. Try not to get too wrapped up in the current décor. Instead, consider the style and layout. Will your existing furniture work? Take pictures of your current living room layout and use them as references. Also, like in every room, test all electrical outlets and switches to ensure they work correctly. An easy way of doing this is by using your phone charger. Also, be sure to check for any water damage.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where you’ll move around the most, sometimes holding hot pots and pans, so you want to make sure you can do so easily and safely. Play out your typical routine a few times to get a feel for the space. Counter space is king in any kitchen, so you’ll want to ensure you have enough for appliances, cooking and prep work. To check the plumbing, let the water run and look under the sink to see if there are any leaks. Once again, test all electrical outlets and switches to make sure everything works.

Bathrooms

You’ll want to make sure everything in the bathroom is watertight and in working order. Test the faucets, toilet, and shower. To check the water pressure, turn on the faucet and flush the toilet. If the water flows uninterrupted, that usually means the water pressure is good. Check under the sink and around the toilet for leaks, water damage, or mold. Make sure there is a working exhaust fan. Bathroom fans help reduce odors, improve air quality, and remove moisture and humidity that can cause mildew, mold, and structural damage.

Basement

Basements are like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get. Nowadays, most basements are finished. However, it’s not guaranteed. If the basement is finished, inspect it like you would the main floor, being especially vigilant for any signs of water damage as this is where it’s most likely to occur. If it’s unfinished, you’ll get a clear view of the foundation, plumbing, floor/ceiling joists and wiring. The basements of older homes were often used for cold storage and may not be set up for HVAC, making them cold in the winter and humid in the summer. So, keep this in mind when viewing.

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. A finished basement provides more room and is great for kids. However, if you’re only using it for laundry/storage, you may not care if it’s unfinished. Plus, an unfinished basement is a great blank canvas for you to create your own space.

Getting a Home Inspection

A home inspection is an in-depth visual examination of a home, from the roof down to the foundation. Home inspectors are trained to see what others can’t, identify potential issues, and save you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations down the line. A home inspection should consist of, but is not limited to, the following:

Roof:

A home inspector can get up on a roof to look closely at the state of the shingles, flashing and ventilation systems. Many new homeowners believe that seeing excessive granules in the gutters is a sign that the shingles need to be replaced, but that isn’t always the case. All shingles, including IKO’s performance shingles, are engineered with extra granules to ensure complete coverage of the shingle’s asphalt weathering layer. So, having a few of those extra granules in the gutters isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.

However, a qualified home inspector can get on the roof and see if the shingles have been worn down so much that the base layer is showing. This is a sign that the shingles may need to be replaced. While up there, they can also inspect the gutters to see if they are clogged or need to be replaced.

Attic:

Here, a home inspector can further examine the underside of the roof deck, the attic’s ventilation system and insulation. Adequate ventilation, in conjunction with vapour barriers and attic insulation, helps maintain the home’s temperature and moisture levels. They can also help prevent the formation of ice dams in the winter. A home inspector should check all roof intake and exhaust vents and the type of insulation used and should recommend whether or not the attic insulation levels should be increased. A properly ventilated and insulated attic can save you hundreds on your energy bills.

HVAC:

Most of us are unfamiliar with HVAC systems. A home inspector will be able to tell you how old the home’s furnace and duct system are, whether they’re working properly and if there are any leaks. Depending on the home, they should also check the air conditioning unit.

Electrical and Plumbing:

While you can check all the outlets and switches in the home, a home inspector can check the wiring. They can determine its age, if it’s been done properly and if there are any fire hazards. They will also inspect the circuit breakers to ensure everything is up to code and installed correctly. They’ll check all visible plumbing, including the water heater, for leaks or signs of degradation.

Floors, Ceilings and Foundation:

A home inspector will look closely at the structural integrity of the home’s floors, ceiling, and foundation. They can pinpoint subtle signs of water damage, shifting, buckling and the quality of the craftsmanship, and can identify load-bearing walls. This can come in handy if you ever decide to renovate.

Doors and Windows:

Improperly sealed windows and doors allow for hot and cold air to escape, can make a room drafty and increase the chances of water infiltration. A home inspector can ensure all windows and doors keep the outside out and the inside in.

What a Home Inspection Isn’t

While a home inspection can provide great advice for new home buyers and give you a better understanding of the home, it’s important to remember that it is a visual inspection only. There are certain things a standard home inspection cannot always account for. Such as:

• Asbestos.
• Radon.
• Methane.
• Radiation.
• Wood-destroying organisms like termites.
• Extensive mold, mildew, or fungi.
• Pests and rodents.
• Lead.
• Sewer, septic and waste systems.

A home inspector will not enter inaccessible areas like locked or cluttered rooms. They also will not venture into any space that is deemed unsafe, such as steep roofs. Specialized inspectors are available for the above, but usually come at an added cost.

Can a Home Fail an Inspection?

No, a home cannot fail a home inspection. A home inspection only describes the home’s physical condition and anything that requires significant repair or replacement.

Also, a home inspection is not an appraisal and cannot affect the home’s market value. However, it can open price negotiations between you and the seller. You can also request repairs after a home inspection, though the seller may refuse.

Hiring a Home Inspector

Always hire an independent, fully licensed home inspector who is certified according to your region, state and/or province. If you’re buying a home in Canada, you’ll want an inspector licensed by The Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI). If you’re buying in America, you’ll want someone authorized by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

The best action plan is to schedule a home inspection immediately after the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) documents have been signed. You can also negotiate with the seller to include a home inspection as a condition in the APS. This will make the purchase of the home contingent on the outcome of the inspection.

We hope our beginner’s guide to buying a new home eases some of those first-time buyer jitters and helps you find the house you want to make a home.

Roof Ice Dam Removal

Table of Contents

1. Roof Ice Dam Removal
2. The Best Ways To Get Rid of Ice Dams
3. How To Remove Ice Dams on Your Roof
4. How Not To Remove Ice Dams
5. Prevent Ice Dams for Good
6. Need Help With Your Ice Dams?

Roof Ice Dam Removal

In the winter, ice tends to collect on some roofs near the edges because of snow from a snowstorm that melts and refreezes during a drop in temperature. While you can, and should, address the underlying cause of the ice dam, you should also seek to remove the current dam from the roof. Otherwise, it may wear on the roof and increase your likelihood of developing a leak.

The longer the ice dam remains, the higher the risk you take. However, you also must be careful about how you remove the ice dam, as certain methods may damage the roof. We’ll guide you through the ice dam removal process, revealing which methods are safe for your roofer to try, and which methods should not be attempted at all.

The Best Ways To Get Rid of Ice Dams

You can temporarily get rid of ice dams by melting them away. There are four safe ways your roofing professional can remove an ice dam from your roof:

1. Use hot water: Running hot water over the ice dam, gently, will melt it and allow the water to drain out through the gutters.
2. Install heat cable: You can have heat cables installed on the roof in the summertime which will then be there come cold weather to melt the ice dam for you. Your roofer may recommend that you use them temporarily or install them permanently to solve your ice dam problems moving forward. For example, they may be installed on roof planes that face north and have a higher roof plane draining onto them. As these roof planes get very little sun in the winter, the excess water becomes an ice dam more easily. Roofers may also use heat cables to prevent ice dams from forming and drainpipes from freezing on commercial roofs.
3. Remove snow: If warmer weather is on its way, and the ice dam is likely to melt, your roofer might choose to have the rest of the snow on your roof removed. Otherwise, the snow may melt under the sun and become another ice dam when it refreezes at the colder roof’s eave. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that some snow be left on the roof in order to prevent damage to the shingles. That way, the contractor’s shovel doesn’t come into direct contact with the roof, so it won’t scrape it. Remember that only a professional can safely remove snow from the roof with a shovel, and they must be very careful.

While it’s always best to consult with a professional roofer about how best to remove your ice dam, there are some less-experienced roofers or general contractors who may attempt to remove ice in an unsafe way. It is important for you to be educated about how a professional should remove ice safely, so that you can protect your investment in your roof. Here’s a guide explaining how a professional can safely remove ice dams with hot water.

How To Remove Ice Dams on Your Roof

Tools you’ll need include:

• Ladder.
• Garden hose.
• Roofing team.

Steps you’ll need to take are as follows:

• Step One: Your roofers should place their ladder safely next to the portion of your roof with the ice dam. They should follow ladder safety protocol to keep themselves safe. They should not place their ladder on ice or snow.
• Step Two: One roofer will climb the ladder and have another member of the team hand him or her the hose. One roofer will then turn on the hose.
• Step Three: Next, your roofers will direct the hot water onto the roof. It may take some time depending on the size of the ice dam, but it will eventually melt. As they work, your roofers will be careful not to aim the pressurized water directly against the shingles. Otherwise the shingles may lift, and the water could damage them. This is one reason why you should not use a pressure washer on a roof. Once the ice has melted, your roofer should ensure that all chunks of ice have cleared the gutters, or they may create a gutter clog.

How Not To Remove Ice Dams

There are many incorrect ways to remove ice from your roof that will damage your asphalt shingles and compromise your roof’s water-shedding ability. Protect your roof and home, and keep your limited warranty valid by asking your roofer to avoid these risky ice-removal methods:

• Manual removal: It is NOT a good idea to take a pick, shovel or another tool to the ice and chip it off. This might remove the ice, but might end up damaging the shingles too. Plus, the next ice dam in this spot is likely to take advantage of the cracks or gaps your roofers have created in the roof. As the snow melts, the water could settle into these cracks and freeze and expand. This kind of damage may result in a leak. The only time roofers should manually remove ice is when they will also replace the roof beneath it.
• Chemicals: Roofers should avoid using any chemicals on your roof. Many ice-melt products combine salt and other chemicals that make the salt a more effective de-icing treatment. More targeted ice dam ice-melt tablets are available, but are not recommended for asphalt roofs. Unfortunately, some of these chemicals can have a negative effect on asphalt shingles, especially if the chemicals are left on the roof for long periods, and their use may void the manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Prevent Ice Dams for Good

These ice dam removal methods are all temporary. They can help your roof avoid damage in the short term, but they won’t stop another ice dam from forming. In order to resolve your ice dam problem for the long run, your roofers need to address the underlying issue that is causing the ice dam to form. While many homeowners believe that the real problem is poorly maintained gutters, this is rarely the case. Most commonly, the underlying issue is inadequate attic insulation.

Work with your roofing professional to discover what kind of insulation you have and whether it needs to be replaced with a more effective type of attic insulation. Better insulation will prevent the home’s heat from reaching your shingles. Therefore, the snow on the shingles will likely not melt or be able to refreeze as an ice dam.

Other roof issues may be contributing to the formation of ice dams on your roof. While fixing these problems will not typically resolve the ice dam by themselves, they may help reduce the severity. They will also help keep your roof in better condition in general. These contributing factors may include:

• Ventilation: Plumbing vents commonly end on the top of the roof. However, ventilation for other home systems should not end on the roof. If they do, they run the risk of melting the snow around them, leading to ice dam formation when the water refreezes. Consider running vents out through the wall of the home instead.
• Connection points: Roof design may contribute to ice dam formation. For example, if an upper roof plane drains onto a lower, unheated, roof plane, this water may create ice dams. A roofing professional can tell you if your roof design is the problem and what can be done to correct it.
• Gutter maintenance: Although they are very rarely the primary cause of an ice dam, clogged and slowly draining gutters may develop ice dams. It’s essential to clean your gutters in the fall to avoid this problem.

There is also a way to protect your roof and home from damage from any potential ice dams that might develop. Installing ice and water protector is often required by building codes because it offers your roof extra protection.

Need Help With Your Ice Dams?

Ice dams should always be removed by professionals who understand winter roof safety and how to protect the shingles from further damage. Plus, once they have removed your current ice dam, they will need to address the underlying cause before another ice dam occurs. If you need to reach out to a professional, consider IKO’s Contractor Locator, which may suggest roofers right in your area.