Ice Dam Build Up Causes Problems for Homeowners

DULUTH - With the combination of an early December storm and sub-zero temps to follow; ice dam buildup on Northland roofs are the worst they've been in decades.

Tim Horn and his team with Tim’s Landscaping & Snow Removal have been knocking down ice dams for more than 30 years.

He says this winter's ice buildup is one for the record books.

"I haven't seen it like this probably in five to ten years actually," Horn remembers.

Ice dams form when a lot of snow falls followed by a deep freeze - identical to what the Northland got in December.

"When it starts to get warm out the snow is going to melt and it's going to go under the ice,” Horn explained. “Then it actually gets under the shingles and leaks in the house."

A leak from an ignored ice dam can eventually damage your walls and carpet.

Down the road, the moisture can also cause mold.

"It might even do damage on the outside and rip the gutters down and possibly the siding," said Horn.

The first step to tackle the dam is removing all the snow.

Then, start picking away the ice.

Horn and his team use an ice pick.

Other professionals use pressure washers or steamers.

If you choose to do it yourself, experts say your safest bet is using a steamer.

There are steps you can take to prevent the dams before calling in the pros.

Walk around your home with a roof rake to pull snow off the edges.

Another option is to get salt tablets.

They're designed to melt the ice on your roof, but the pros tell us the tablets don't work in frigid temps.

"That'll likely keep it melted on the end and that might prevent it from damming up with ice," Horn explained.

The experts we talked to say it's important to do your research on what technique your ice dam removers use because if they do it wrong it could cause serious damage to your roof and shingles.