Roof Ice Dams in Anchorage: What Every Homeowner Should Know
If you’ve lived through a winter in Anchorage, you’ve probably seen those thick ridges of ice that form along the edge of a roof. They might look harmless at first, but let me tell you, ice dams are one of the most frustrating and costly issues we see up here every winter. I’ve been in the roofing business long enough to know that once an ice dam shows up on your home, it’s not just a little winter nuisance. Left alone, it can turn into a big problem that costs you time, money, and peace of mind.
Why Ice Dams Happen
Ice dams usually form on the eaves, where your roof stays colder than the rest. Warm air from inside your home escapes into the attic, melts the snow higher up, and that water runs down to the colder edge where it freezes. Before you know it, you’ve got a solid wall of ice trapping water on your roof. The trouble is, that water has to go somewhere, and often, it goes right under your shingles. That’s when the real headaches begin.
The Risks of Ignoring Ice Dams Built Up On A Roof
Here’s what I’ve seen over the years:
- Water seeping inside, ruining drywall and insulation.
- Damaged plywood sheathing and shingles that need to be torn up and replaced.
- Roofs buckling under the sheer weight of thick ice (40 pounds per square foot isn’t unusual).
If you’ve had ice dams once, chances are you’ll see them again next winter unless you tackle the root cause. Safe Ways to Deal with Roof Ice Dams Now, I know the temptation: grab a hammer or an axe and start hacking away. Please don’t! You’ll do more damage to your roof than the ice dam ever could. A safer trick is to use something we call “ice melt socks.” Basically, you fill a sock with calcium chloride and lay it across the dam. It cuts a little channel in the ice so the water has a way to drain. Even better, call in a pro who knows how to clear ice safely without tearing up your roof.
How to Prevent Ice Dams in Anchorage
- Prevention is always cheaper than repair, and here’s how you can get ahead of ice dams: Improve insulation and ventilation in your attic or crawl space. This keeps your roof temperature even and stops the melt-refreeze cycle.
- Keep your roof clear of snow before it has the chance to turn into ice. A roof rake is a homeowner’s best friend in the winter.
- Schedule a roof checkup. A professional inspection can spot weak spots before they turn into leaks.
Ice dams are predictable here in Anchorage if you’ve got them this winter, chances are you’ll see them again next year unless you take steps to stop them.
A little prevention now saves you from big repairs later. And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ve seen it all, and we’ll help you protect your home from the damage ice dams can cause.
