Call us about our snow removal and snow plow service. Don’t shovel the snow if you don’t have to! We book up fast in the winter, so call early.

Protect Your House Against Ice Dams

When there is 8 inches of snow or more, we need to advise you to have it removed from your roof to prevent an ice dam. It has to be done before it melts and turns to ice (then we can’t remove it). Eight inches or more, compiled with cold weather, is the perfect storm to create an ice dam. Ice dams can seep into your house causing damage and frustration.

Ice-Dam Mechanics

There are two main causes, which can produce thick blocks of ice that are nearly impossible to remove until the weather moderates. First, is a series of sunny days and cold nights that melt snow on the roof and then freeze it. In the same way that an icicle grows longer and longer, freeze-thaw cycles make a roof dam bigger and bigger. Once it grows enough to block gutters a dam can hold more snow, catch more of the melt and grow even faster. If you see icicles hanging from the roof, then you know you have an ice dam going back up the roof and getting under your shingles.

The other cause is a warm roof. Just a small amount of heat radiating through the ceiling insulation up to the roof can start to melt a blanket of snow from the bottom up.

Castino Services is totally insured and bonded for snow removal. Our rates are lower than your local roofer.