Ice dams a concern as temperatures rise and fall

With the recent snowfall in our area and temperatures expected to rise and fall over the next few weeks, SGI Canada is reminding homeowners they should clear the snow from their roofs before it melts to avoid an ice dam.

Ice dams can form when temperatures fluctuate below and above the freezing mark. If the snow on the roof melts, but can’t drain properly, it can pool and then re-freeze, forming the ice dam.

“We tell everyone to keep the amount of snow on your roof to a minimum,” Kelley Brinkworth, of SGI Canada said. “Use a roof rake or better yet hire a professional to clear the snow away — for safety reasons we don’t like to see people go up on their roofs during the winter”

Brinkworth is also reminding homeowners that gutters and downspouts should be kept free of snow, ice buildup and debris, so there is a ready path for melting snow and ice to drain.