Ice Dams Damage Your Roof in Winter. C.L. Frey Construction roofers have solutions.

What Causes Roof Ice Dams?

Ice dams form when:

Uneven Roof Temperatures: 

Warm air from your home rises and heats the roof. Snow melts in warmer areas, flows down the roof, and refreezes at colder edges.

Poor Insulation: 

Insufficient or uneven insulation in your attic allows heat to escape, warming the roof and fueling ice dam formation.

Blocked Ventilation: 

Without proper airflow, warm air becomes trapped, heating the roof and melting snow.

Heavy Snowfall: 

A thick snow layer can act as an insulator, further contributing to uneven roof temperatures.

 What Damage Do Ice Dams Cause?

Ice dams are more than just a pretty icicle display—they can seriously damage your home:

Roof Leaks: 

Water backs up behind the dam, seeping under shingles and into your home.

Shingle Damage: 

Repeated freezing and thawing can loosen and damage shingles.

Gutter Damage: 

The weight of the ice can rip gutters away from your home.

Insulation & Ceiling Issues: 

Water from ice dams can leak into the attic, soaking insulation and causing ceiling stains or even mold growth.

Structural Damage: 

Persistent leaks can lead to rotting wood in the roof deck and walls.

How to Prevent and Manage Ice Dams

Solutions:

C.L. Frey Construction offers WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier

This is a self-sealing protection for vulnerable areas of the roof against wind-driven rain and ice dams. By Creating a barrier at the most vulnerable areas of your asphalt shingle (at the eaves and rakes, in valleys, & around chimneys, etc.), WeatherWatch® Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier helps prevent leaks due to water backing up in your gutters, wind-driven rain, and, in the North, damaging ice dams.

Get automatic Lifetime Protection on your entire GAF roofing system

When you install any GAF Lifetime Shingle and at least 3 qualifying GAF accessories, you'll automatically get a Lifetime limited warranty on your shingles and all qualifying GAF accessories*.

Improve Attic Insulation: 

Proper insulation helps prevent heat from escaping into your attic.

Boost Roof Ventilation: 

Install ridge vents or soffit vents to maintain a consistent roof temperature.

Seal Air Leaks: 

Check for gaps around chimneys, vents, and light fixtures, and seal them to stop warm air from escaping.

Professional Inspection: 
Call us to identify and address specific problem areas.  When the weather permits, we can inspect your roof and present solutions to any of your roofing issues.

Pro Tip: 
Regular maintenance is key! Clean your gutters in the fall to ensure proper drainage and trim overhanging branches to reduce snow buildup.