Question Posted on an Ice Dam Problem
Preventing Ice Dams From Causing A Roof Leak
Hi Rob, Forgive me if you’ve already posted something on this topic, but our neighbor came by last night to borrow a snow rake because they had an ice dam problem that had sprung a leak in their house.
They ultimately ripped out half the wallboard in their house and are currently trying to dry the place out, but any advice on:
- What to do once you have a problem – especially in the middle of winter
- How to avoid them in the first place?
This post offers a few tips, but thought you might have more. Best, Eric S
Ice Dam Prevention
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your question. If the house has an active leak the best way to stop it is to SAFELY put a ladder up on the roof and “chip” channels in the ice to allow the water behind the ice dam to drain.
Most times there is NO NEED to rip open walls if this is the first leak, and it is dealt with immediately – things will dry out. I would only rip open a wall if it had been leaking for sometime. There is a concern for mold.
Check out this past post on Ice Dam Prevention.
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