The Dreaded Ice Dam

ice dam

What is ice damming?

As we all know, Colorado has fickle weather patterns during the winter and spring months. One day it will be 67 degrees, and the next, a foot of snow will descend upon us. When the snow melts and freezes and melts and freezes above the gutters on our homes, this causes an ice dam. The beautiful icicles on the sides of your home look pretty … until the ice goes up under the shingles and causes massive leaking and damage to your home. Yikes!

How do you know if you have an ice dam?

A few different signs can point to an ice dam issue:

  • Snow is melting high up on your roof but not on the lower part

  • Icicles form on the edge of your roof and gutters

  • Gutters are not draining

  • Ice is on your exterior walls

  • Interior water damage from water seeping into your home

What prevents an ice dam?

There is an amazing product out there called Ice and Water Shield. Celtic Roofing applies it to EVERY roof we install, thus preventing ice dam issues. Ice and Water Shield is applied before the shingles to the plywood and nails, instantly bonding them together and creating a completely watertight seal. It must be applied 36 inches up from the edge of the roof, or two feet from the heated wall in order to prevent an ice dam situation.

Some cities do require Ice and Water Shield as a code requirement, but not all cities. Celtic Roofing applies it to EVERY roof we install, whether that particular city requires it or not. We stand behind our work, and will always go above (pun intended) and beyond to ensure the highest quality products are used to protect your home.

So enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s winters and springs without worry that the ever-changing weather will have a negative impact on your family’s home.