There are actions which can be taken to help prevent the cause of ice damming, which can involve increasing insulation, improving roof venting and stopping heat loss through the attic. To help prevent water infiltration resulting from ice dams, installing ice shield underlayments and drip edge flashings can help.

Installing heating cables in gutter systems, down pipes and roof eaves areas can help prevent the formation of excess ice (see photo).

It is best to have one of our technicians evaluate your particular circumstance and quote on a specific strategy. Our repair department is available to remove snow & ice from customer homes at a reasonable rate. They are skilled, insured and able to minimize any resulting interior damage from dams. If you are interested call us at 416-785-5129 or complete the Ask Craig form and I'll have our service department contact you.

Come back soon to read more postings of Craig's responses on a wide variety of roofing problems, including a plea from a homeowner to solve a roofing problem other roofers could not solve.