How to Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof This Winter

Winter in Abbotsford brings plenty of snow—and with it, the dreaded ice dams. If you’ve ever dealt with these icy formations on your roof, you know how costly and frustrating they can be. The good news? Ice dams are totally preventable! Here’s how you can keep your roof (and wallet) safe this winter.

What Are Ice Dams? And Why Should You Care?

Ice dams form when the warm air from your home melts snow on your roof, causing it to run down to the eaves, where it refreezes into a dam. As more snow melts, it gets trapped behind the ice, eventually seeping under your shingles and causing leaks, water damage, and headaches. Yikes!

But don’t worry—we’ve got solutions that will help you say goodbye to ice dams for good!

1. Boost Your Insulation Game: Learn How to Prevent Ice Dams

The root of the problem often lies in uneven roof temperatures. Warm spots on your roof melt the snow, while colder spots refreeze it. The solution? Insulation! Proper attic insulation keeps warm air where it belongs—inside your house, not on your roof.

Pro Tip: Check your attic insulation R-value! In cold climates like Abbotsford, aim for an R-value between R-49 and R-60. This ensures optimal heat retention, reducing your risk of ice dams.

Need help? Learn more about our snow removal services designed to protect your home.

2. Clean Those Gutters!

Nobody likes cleaning gutters, but it’s a must-do if you want to prevent ice dams. Clogged gutters don’t allow water to flow properly, making it more likely for snow to freeze along the edges of your roof.

Did You Know? Clean gutters not only prevent ice dams but also extend the lifespan of your roof by reducing excess water buildup!

Not a fan of ladder duty? Let us handle it!

3. Heat Cables: Your Winter Superhero

Want to stop ice before it even forms? Heat cables are the way to go! Installing these along your roof's edge helps melt snow before it has a chance to freeze. No more ice dams, no more stress.

Pro Tip: Use a thermostat-controlled heat cable to automatically turn it on when temperatures drop below freezing and off when it’s warmer, saving energy and money!

Check out our snow removal and salting services for expert help in keeping your roof safe.

4. Clear That Snow ASAP

The best way to prevent ice dams? Don’t let snow sit around long enough to become a problem. Regular roof snow removal is crucial, especially after a heavy snowfall. That’s where we come in!

Did You Know? Leaving more than 6 inches of snow on your roof can increase the chances of ice dams forming, even if your attic is well insulated.

At National Snow, our commercial snow removal and residential snow removal services ensure your roof stays snow-free all winter long. Whether it's heavy-duty skid steer plowing or keeping walkways safe with Walkway Plowing & Salt Spreading, we’ve got you covered.

5. Seal Those Leaks!

Tiny cracks and gaps in your attic let warm air escape, which means a higher risk of ice dams. Sealing these air leaks doesn’t just help prevent ice dams—it also saves you money on your heating bill!

Pro Tip: Use expanding foam to seal gaps around attic windows, vents, and pipes for a quick and effective solution.

6. Call in the Pros for Snow Removal

Why tackle ice dams on your own when you can bring in the pros? Our expert team at National Snow is ready to step in with snow plowing services tailored to your property. From Salt & Sand Spreading to full-scale roof snow removal, we have the tools to keep your home safe.

Worried about snow removal costs? Don't be! Our affordable packages ensure your property stays protected without breaking the bank.

Don’t Let Ice Dams Take Over!

Prevention is key! If you’re looking for snow removal services near me or expert help with snow cleaning in Abbotsford, look no further. National Snow provides comprehensive snow and ice removal services to keep your roof and property safe all winter long.

Bonus Tip: Stay Ahead of Winter with Proactive Snow Removal! Get ahead of winter’s worst by booking your snow removal early! Whether it’s residential or commercial, National Snow offers top-notch services that include everything from snow plowing to ice melting.

Contact us today to make sure you’re prepared for whatever winter throws at you!

Ice dams don’t stand a chance when you take these simple steps. Keep your home safe this winter, and let National Snow handle the heavy lifting!