(612) 823-8046




Saturdays 10 - 11

Sela Roofing Ice Dams and Snow Removal

An ice dam is a ridge, or build-up of ice at the bottom edge of the roof. The problem with ice dams is that they allow additional melt water to pond, or puddle behind them. Shingle roofs are not designed to be waterproof. They are designed to shed water. Once water has accumulated, it generally finds a way into the home through nail penetrations, and behind flashings.

Ice dams can form in a variety of ways. The most common way is when large amounts of snow accumulate on a roof, and some of the snow begins to melt. The melt water runs down the roof underneath the snow blanket, and when it hits the cold edge of the roof, it refreezes. The ice builds and builds, eventually creating an ice dam that traps the rest of the melt water up on the roof. Other factors leading to ice dams are things like hot spots on the roof. They can occur around vents, skylights, or above an area that lacks sufficient insulation. These hot spots will melt the snow only to have it refreeze as it runs down the roof over a colder area of the roof, usually at the edge.

For a more technical explanation CLICK HERE.

The Sela Solution