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Winter Roofing5 min read

Ice Dams: Prevention for Halifax Homeowners

Ice dams are one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of roof damage in Nova Scotia. Here's what every Halifax homeowner should know.

·DeLeon Roofing

If you've ever seen a thick ridge of ice forming along the edge of a roof in winter, you've seen an ice dam. They look harmless enough, but they're one of the leading causes of interior water damage in Atlantic Canadian homes.

How ice dams form: Heat escaping from your living space warms the upper portion of your roof, melting snow. That meltwater runs down toward the eaves, which are colder (they extend beyond the heated space below). The water refreezes at the eave, building up a dam. As more snow melts, water pools behind the dam and can work its way under your shingles and into your home.

The root cause is almost always inadequate attic insulation or ventilation — not the roof itself. A properly insulated and ventilated attic stays cold enough that the roof surface temperature is uniform, preventing the melt-refreeze cycle.

How to prevent ice dams: The most effective long-term solution is improving your attic insulation and ventilation. In the short term, keeping your roof clear of heavy snow accumulation helps. Ice and water shield membrane installed at the eaves — which we include as standard on all our installations — provides a critical backup layer of protection even if a dam does form.

What not to do: Avoid chipping at ice dams with a hammer or axe — you'll damage your shingles. Roof rakes can help remove snow safely from the ground, but be careful not to pull shingles with them.

If you're dealing with recurring ice dams, it's worth having a professional assess your attic insulation and ventilation. We can evaluate your roof as part of a free estimate visit for homeowners considering a replacement.

DeLeon Roofing — Halifax, NS

Certified roofing contractor serving Halifax and HRM since 2015. Free estimates, honest advice.

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