Ice Dam & Winter Roof Repair in Fort Collins, CO
Ice dams form when heat from the house melts snow on the roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves. The ridge of ice traps more meltwater, which can back up under shingles.
Request a rooferWhy they happen here
Fort Collins gets snow from early September to the end of May, and frequent warm spells from downslope winds melt snow quickly. Melt and refreeze cycles are exactly what builds ice dams.
Warning signs
Thick icicles along the eaves, a ridge of ice at the roof edge, and water stains on ceilings or walls near outside walls after snow.
What not to do
Don't chip ice with a hammer or axe; it damages shingles. Don't climb onto an icy roof. A roof rake from the ground can pull snow off the lower edge.
Lasting fixes
Better attic insulation and ventilation keep the roof deck cold, so snow melts evenly. An ice and water barrier under the shingles along the eaves stops meltwater getting in.
After the thaw
Have a roofer check the eaves, gutters and flashing for damage and look in the attic for wet insulation or decking.
Where to start
Ice dam problems sit between roofing and insulation. A roofer can repair the damage and check the eaves and flashing, then point you to the attic improvements that stop dams forming in the first place. Fixing the cause once usually costs less than repairing the same water damage every winter, and it protects the ceilings and walls below the eaves.
Frequently asked questions
- Are heat cables a good idea?
- They can help in problem spots, but they treat the symptom. Insulation and ventilation address the cause.
- Can ice dams damage gutters?
- Yes. The weight of ice can bend or pull gutters away from the fascia.
Other roofing services
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