A good roof slope, generous overhangs and a wide application of Ice and water shield are the greatest defense to ice dams, we all need to be vigilant as the conditions are perfect for severe water damage. The first area to watch is a screen porch or addition that was enclosed or built with a low slope roof and small overhang as these will be the first areas to leak. The best defense at this point is to remove as much snow as possible from your roof (please be careful) and chisel open a portion of the ice dam to permit the water to flow off the roof. The more of the dam you can remove the better as it will reform quickly on the cold overhangs and as the temps begin to fall again.  The science behind a dam is that the melt occurs below the insulation of the snow which stays at about 32 degrees and the warmth from escaped heat from the house melts the underside of the snow pack causing it to flow to the eave and refreeze as it moves away from the heated space. The better your attic is insulated, the greater the roof slope and the least amount of snow to melt will help alleviate the problem. ...read more

The first indication that an ice dam is soon to cause internal damage is ice build-up on the exterior face of the wall. If a leak does appear inside the house preventative action is your first step; you will need to punch a small, clean hole in the ceiling at the location of the leak to allow the ceiling to drain. Have a bucket ready, it may not drain a lot of water but it will be continuous until the exterior problem is solved. This step will prevent water build up on the drywall and an ultimate collapse of the ceiling so it is worthwhile. The next step is to remove as much snow as possible above the affected area as it is this snow that is melting and coming inside. This can be dangerous so do it in the safest manner possible or hire someone who has experience to do this for you. After this is completed an few sections of the ice dam will need to be removed to allow any future storms and melt to flow off of the roof. This can be done by chipping or ice melt but again this can be dangerous so take all safety precautions.  Remember this is only preventive as the ice dams will reform if significant storms continue to develop so keep watch on the impacted areas for a re-occurrence. I would also recommend that the damaged areas not be repaired until the spring as it may be waisted effort if the problem returns. ...read more