Why do ice dams cause roof leaks?
Heat escaping from the house melts snow on the roof. The water refreezes at the cold edge and builds a ridge of ice, so meltwater backs up under the shingles and leaks inside.
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Answered by RingaRoofer · Roof leaks
Heat escaping from the house melts snow on the roof. The water refreezes at the cold edge and builds a ridge of ice, so meltwater backs up under the shingles and leaks inside.
What to know
- Don't chip ice off the roof; it breaks shingles.
- A roof rake can clear snow from the bottom few feet.
- Long term: attic insulation and ventilation reduce ice dams.
- Ice and water barrier under the shingles helps on new roofs.
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Call (855) 635-9281General information for homeowners, not a substitute for a roofer looking at your roof. More on this: Roof Leak Repair.
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