May 12, 2025
HOW TO SPOT AN ICE DAM AND CALL FOR DAMAGE CONTROL
Ice dams are something that needs to be addressed as soon as they are found. It is better to
make sure that you contact the professionals. However, the main problem that arises is
determining whether there is an ice dam. Do not worry, Ice Dam Anchorage is at your rescue.
We will give you all the tips and tricks to make sure that you can spot an ice dam.
You are outside in the cold, maybe admiring the snow on the roof. Then you spot a row of
icicles hanging from the edge. Long, heavy, and kind of pretty. But what you might be
looking at is not just winter doing its thing. It is a warning sign. And if you wait too
long, you might be dealing with more than just a few drips. Always remember the rule of
thumb when working with ice dams. The more you wait, the bigger the hole in your pocket will
be. To understand ice dams better, you should know how they are formed.
Your house is warm inside during the winter. Maybe even a little too warm in the attic. That
heat rises, melts the snow sitting on the roof, and that melted snow slides down until it
hits the colder edge of your roof. The edge of the roof is where it freezes again. That is
the ice dam. One chunk of ice turns into a ridge. The ridge traps more melting snow, and
that water has nowhere to go except under your shingles. Once it is under there, it is
heading inside. Once it starts to head inside, there is going to be nothing but damage. Now,
to spot an ice dam, you do not need to grab a ladder. A short walk across the premises will
do the job, and you can follow this checklist too.
- A line of ice or a thick chunk at the gutter line
- Water dripping from the middle of your siding
- Big icicles in new places
After inspecting the property, go inside to get a better view and review the whole situation
of the house.
- Brown stains on the ceiling, especially around corners or windows
- A musty smell
- Paint bubbling or peeling off
All these signs are not good at all. If you are unsure in any manner, just call us for a
professional opinion. We pay meticulous attention to detail and solve every problem with
utmost care. Do not grab a shovel or hammer and go at it. Chopping away at the ice might
feel like a fast fix, but it can break shingles, damage gutters, and even cause injury if a
piece falls on you.
Call someone who specializes in removing ice dams. Professionals use top-of-the-market
equipment, and you can be tension-free during the whole process. If you take matters into
your own hands, you can put your safety in question. Make the wiser choice and call a
professional . They will handle the situation like no other and also make sure the roof is
not damaged.
