Maybe not as bad as Sandy....

[Barms 98]

But ice dams and collapsed roofs is pretty friggin bad

 

I'm dreading rain later in the week if more snow doesn't melt from roofs or gutters.

 

Anybody ever have an ice dam bless you with water dripping in the living room? Not fun

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

I've got one going right now. No way to know how bad the damage is going to be. Everything I've read about them has been about prevention. From what I can tell, once they occur, you're already screwed.

[seamusSU 0]

You can try finding a roof rake to remove the snow behind the ice dam and help it melt as it warms up in the next few days. It won't eliminate the problem right away but it should help prevent it from getting worse.

[DSD1026 48]

You can try finding a roof rake to remove the snow behind the ice dam and help it melt as it warms up in the next few days. It won't eliminate the problem right away but it should help prevent it from getting worse.

This is the greatest invention ever..  i had an ice dam a few years ago, having to get up on the ladder and chip the ice out of the gutters..  i immediately ordered one of these things after that, and I havent had an ice dam since.  but you have to be able to get to the last 5-6" of the roof wherever you have a gutter to work properly..

[djg0770 481]

My parents had an ice dam issue for years.  My brother re-roofed and extended the ice and water shield on that portion to the ridge.  Since then, no ice dams.

[seamusSU 0]

Along with the roof rake, if the ice dams are a consistent issue for you it may be worth investing in some roof cable to help keep the ice from forming.

[djg0770 481]

Along with the roof rake, if the ice dams are a consistent issue for you it may be worth investing in some roof cable to help keep the ice from forming.

 

Roof cable aka heat tracing is known to fail over time, in perfect conditions (ie under insulation protected from the weather).  I can't imagine how long it will last being up on a roof in the summer and getting blasted by UV exposure.  It WILL work, when it works, but when it doesn't work, it's a mess.

[Malsua 1,422]

I've got one going right now. No way to know how bad the damage is going to be. Everything I've read about them has been about prevention. From what I can tell, once they occur, you're already screwed.

 

I used to get them before we re-insulated the roof with closed cell foam.

 

What you can do is put some handfuls of rock salt at the upside of the dam in spots and it will melt underneath and the water can get out.  If you do this every 3-4 feet or so, you can eliminate the worst of it.

 

You have to be generous with the salt...a couple cups worth at each spot.

[T Bill 649]

Use salt snakes.  Pantyhose legs filled with salt put on roof over (perpendicular to)  ice dam.  Gives water a place to go.  Salt kind of tough on gutters, but better than alternative.  Magnesium chloride is better but real expensive.

[Paltik 3]

I have the same problem. Do you guys know a contractor that will remove the ice dam? Im located in Bergen County. Thanks!