Winters in the Northeast can be harsh, and it is always in your best interest to prepare your home for the season. Heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain all put pressure on your home’s exterior and HVAC systems. Ice damming, in particular, can be a costly issue. Here’s how you can protect your home in winter with a few smart winter home maintenance steps to help prevent ice damming on your roof this winter.

What is Ice Damming?

When snow accumulates, the added weight can strain your roof, and melting snow can refreeze along the edges, forming what is known as ice dams. If left untreated, ice dams can force water under your shingles, leading to leaks, rot, and costly repairs. To reduce the risk, remove snow safely using a roof rake or by hiring a professional. 

Avoid doing it alone—ice, ladders, and slippery conditions can all be hazardous.

How to Prevent Ice Damming

You can prevent ice damming by ensuring your attic has proper ventilation, leading to reduced snow build up on the roof, so your gutters can move melting snow and ice down the pipes.

Attic Ventilation

Ice dam prevention begins inside your attic. Poor roof ventilation and inadequate insulation are two of the most common causes of heat loss, which can lead to ice buildup. When warm air escapes through the attic, it melts the snow on your roof. The water then refreezes at the edge, creating a ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage.

To prevent this

  • Seal attic bypasses and stop warm air leaks.
  • Improve insulation to maintain consistent temperatures.
  • Ensure your soffit and ridge vents are clear and functioning.

Graves Brothers can assess your attic and recommend the right upgrades to keep your home energy-efficient and ice-free.

Clean and Repair Gutters

Melting snow, ice, and rain can also cause ice damming if gutters, downspouts, or drains are clogged. Regularly clean your gutters and check that water flows away from your foundation. Flooding can also occur from ice dam leaks, or poor grading—so being proactive now can save thousands in repairs later.

Snow Removal

Lake effect snow can fall in heavy sheets that build up quickly, amounting to hundreds of pounds of weight on your roof. If your roof is flat, raking snow off the roof can both lift the weight off your roof and help prevent ice damming by not giving the snow the chance to harden into even heavier, solid ice and dangerous icicles on your roof.

Work with a Trusted Roofing Contractor

If you suspect roof ventilation problems, gutter issues, or want to prevent ice damming, Graves Brothers is here to help. Our team has decades of experience keeping local homes safe and efficient through every season.

Get a free winter inspection or roof evaluation today by contacting our team!