If you’re a homeowner in New England, you’re likely very familiar with the problems that the winter can bring to your home. One of the biggest – and most expensive – problems that you may encounter this winter is an ice dam. Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof during the day, then re-freezes at night to form large icicles. These can cause a lot of damage and be pricey to remove, so how can you prevent them from forming in the first place? We share our expert tips below!

Invest In Attic Insulation

Did you know that one of the most common causes of ice dams has nothing to do with your roof or gutter system? One of the biggest reasons that ice dams form actually has to do with your attic! Before the first snowfall, you should check your attic’s insulation to make sure that it’s on par with the rest of your home. Having poor attic insulation makes it easier for your roof and gutters to freeze, as snow is more likely to stick to it. By properly insulating your attic, you drastically reduce the chances that snow freezes on your roof.

Clear Roof Debris

Another common cause of ice dams forming is clogged gutters. With nowhere left for water to go, it pools within your gutter system and freezes, which can lead to the formation of ice dams. Before the winter season, make sure that you clean out your gutters and remove debris from your roof. If your home has any overhanging trees, make sure you prune the branches. This will prevent small branches and leaves from falling onto your roof during the winter, which can lead to the clogs that help ice dams to form.

Invest In A Roof Rake

Ensuring that you have as little snowfall as possible on your roof will help to prevent the conditions that lead to ice dams. Even though you may have proper attic insulation, there will still be a little bit of snow that stays on your roof! In order to deal with this excess snow, consider investing in a roof rake. Roof rakes are elongated rakes that you can use from your driveway, helping to clear the snow from your roof. These can help change the temperature of your roof without causing any damage to its components.

Roof Installation With US Siding

New England homes have to deal with a lot; increasingly changing climates, severe weather, and plenty of snow are just a few of the problems it has to defend against. For this reason, it’s important to install home exterior elements from the most reputable and trusted contractors in the business. In Massachusetts, that’s US Siding! We work with a variety of the most trusted roofing brands out there, ensuring your home has the fortifications it needs to handle any New England weather. To help upgrade your home’s exterior, click here to contact us directly!