Snow and Ice Dam Removal

Even the most durable roofs can be stressed by snow and ice during harsh Maine winters. If not removed, heavy snow and ice can cause serious damage to your roof. What’s worse is that this damage isn’t always easy to see.

While essential to protecting your home, roof shoveling and breaking up ice dams is a dangerous process that should only be attempted by a professional. Read on to learn more about how to keep your home safe with snow and ice dam removal services.

Snow and Ice Damage

The main way that snow and ice cause damage to your roof is by thawing and refreezing as temperatures fluctuate. When snow and ice melt, water can seep into small holes in your roof. When winter temperatures dip back down to below freezing, this water freezes (and expands), tearing larger holes that may cause major leaks.

If your roof is in good condition, it should ideally be able to support around 4 feet of snow, which equates to about 20 pounds of weight. However, older roofs may not be able to stand up to that much pressure. This can lead to a sagging roofline, one of the most obvious signs of snow damage.

Snow and Ice Dam Removal

THE DANGERS OF ICE DAMS

When your gutters are clogged, the water produced from melted snow has nowhere to go. Instead of running through the gutters and away from your house like it’s supposed to, the water backs up underneath the roof and refreezes. This creates something called an “ice dam.”

When these ice dams melt, they can cause severe water damage to your home, including mold growth and rot. The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep your gutters clean and ensure that your roof is properly insulated. If an ice dam has already built up on your roof, it’s time to call in a professional to remove it quickly and safely.

Snow and Ice Damage

Hiring a company to clear heavy snow off of your roof is a great way to protect your family and avoid costly damage to your home. Large amounts of snow can be shoveled off of your roof before they cause issues like ice dams, sagging, or even a roof collapse!

If ice dams have already formed on your roof, they will need to be broken up and removed carefully. Keep in mind that this is not something that you should attempt to do yourself. Both snow and ice dam removal requires the right kind of gear and years of experience to avoid accidentally damaging your roof in other ways.

Protect Your Roof With the Roof Doctors

A snowy roof can quickly become a safety hazard, so when in doubt, call a professional for help. Heavy snow and ice dams can lead to severe damage, but their removal needs to be handled by an experienced roofing company.

With over 20 years of experience, the Roof Doctors has the knowledge and tools to help keep your home safe throughout the cold winter months.

In need of snow or ice dam removal services? Reach out to us at (207) 772-2719.

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