Ice dams are a classic Spokane-winter roof problem. They look like a thick ridge of ice at the edge of the roof, often with icicles - and they can force water up under your shingles and into the house.
What causes them
Heat escaping into the attic warms the upper roof and melts the snow on it. That meltwater runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, building a dam. Water then pools behind the dam and works its way under the shingles.
The damage they do
Once water gets under the shingles it can soak the decking, drip into insulation, and stain ceilings - the same slow damage as any leak, but it shows up in the dead of winter when it's hardest to deal with.
How to prevent them
- Attic insulation - keeps household heat out of the attic so the roof stays cold and even.
- Attic ventilation - lets cold air flush out any heat that does get up there.
- Ice-and-water shield - a protective membrane at the eaves, installed under the shingles, that stops backed-up water from getting in. We install this as standard on replacements.
Don't chip at the ice. Hacking at an ice dam with a hammer or shovel damages shingles and is dangerous. If you've got active dripping inside, call a pro. Long term, fixing ventilation and insulation is what actually solves it.
Worried about ice dams or a winter leak?
Get a free inspection - we'll check your roof, ventilation, and trouble spots.
Get My Free Quote