Ice damage is a fairly common occurrence in Michigan, to the point that most homeowners just expect it to happen at some point in time. If you are worried about ice damage on your roof, there are some things you can do to prevent the ice building and reduce the likelihood of extensive damage. The guide below highlights five ways to prevent ice damage on your roof so you can preserve the integrity of your home.
Clear The Snow Off Your Roof Regularly
Piled up snow is one of the leading causes of ice dams on a roof. The snow starts to melt on the roof, refreezes, and then gets trapped in the guttering system. In order to avoid this, you should remove snow from your roof when it starts to build up. This is something you can easily do from the ground with a roof rake.
Monitor The Ice Buildup In Your Gutters
If your gutters and downspouts get clogged with ice, they could limit the amount of drain-off that happens on your roof. This will cause ice damage as the new water adds to the frozen ice blocks already in your gutters. Make sure your guttering is clear of ice as much as possible so your melting snow can drain off properly.
Insulate Your Attic Or Top Floor
A well-insulated attic is often the key to preventing ice damage on the roof because it keeps heat from escaping your home through the roof. As heat escapes, it melts the snow on the roof and eventually causes it to turn into ice as it refreezes. If your attic insulation is old and outdated, you may consider replacing it or adding to it. This will protect your roof.
Clean Your Gutters Twice A Year
Cleaning your gutters before and after fall will ensure that they are clear of debris when winter hits. This is just as important as getting rid of the ice clogs mentioned above. Invest in gutter guards to protect your guttering from clogging, and you won’t have to worry about ice buildup on the roof line.
Fill Pantyhose With Chloride Ice Melter
This is a DIY trick anyone can try. Fill a pair of pantyhose with some chloride ice melter and place them on the roof, overhanging the gutters. The ice melter will turn the ice and snow coming down into water, which should easily flow through your gutters. This may not be the best-looking solution for your home’s exterior, but it will save you a ton of money in ice damage cleanup.