A-Train Asks the Roofer: How Can Homeowners Prevent Ice Dams on the Roof?

I had a pretty important guy in the studio the other day: Jason of J. Carnes & Son Roofing, which was a finalist for the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award.

This award honors companies that are committed to high ethical standards and service to customers, employees, suppliers and communities. When you consider there are over 100,000 small businesses in New Hampshire, it's pretty impressive that a local company was distinguished.

And, of course, since he was in the studio, I asked him a roofing question. A dam question, if you will.

What can you do now to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof this winter?

Jason explained that the most important part of a roofing system is an ice and water shield membrane that adheres to the roof deck before putting the shingles on.

"Behind every ice dam is typically a large pool of water, and since asphalt roof shingles are designed to shed water, they can only do so much when water pools on the roof," Jason said. "The membrane seals the nails from the shingles above and prevents water from leaking into the home."

So, the most important line of defense is something you can't really see. But throughout winter, you'll want to watch for severe ice dams along the edge of the roof or too much snow piling on the roof.

"If you have 6 or more inches of snow on your roof it could add hundreds if not thousands of pounds," according to J. Carnes and Son's website. "Think about a foot of snow, this amount is easy to accumulate. That foot can be thousands of pounds and could cause your roof to collapse!"

Of course, it's not safe for homeowners to shovel their roofs, so J. Carnes and Son suggests calling them this winter if snow piles up beyond what can be removed with a roof rake. They have crews out shoveling roofs throughout winter — to learn more, give them a call at 603-686-7763 or visit them online at jcarnesroofing.com.