If You’ve Got Icicles, You’ve Got A Problem

Is Your Roof Safe and Secure?

Did you know that the icicles hanging from your gutter are actually an indication of a problem with your roof, and can lead to roof and property damage? Icicles are generally caused by a leaking gutter or a dam, which happens when a clogged gutter does not allow water to drain properly. The water then spills over the side and freezes on its way down. Large, sharp icicles could slide off and hurt someone when they fall or do damage to property below. In addition, the weight of the snow and ice build up can cause damage to gutters and siding.

In addition to creating icicles, ice damming can cause leaks in your roof. Since the ice dam does not allow water and melted snow to run off the roof, it forms a pool on the roof. The heat rising from the building prevents the water on the roof from freezing, and it can back up underneath the shingles, causing a leak. In the case of a metal roof, the heat of the building or sun can cause a thin layer of water underneath accumulated snow and ice. Metal roofs are very slippery when wet. Large, heavy sheets of ice can slide off the roof, which can cause severe injury or property damage.

Heat Tape Can Prevent Ice Damming

Heat tape can be installed in gutters & downspouts, which prevents ice from forming, building up, and becoming an ice dam. In addition, you can invest in the installation of ice and snow-breaking roof units such as snow guards.

1. Ice Damming
2. Roof Damage
3. Safety Risk

Call your nearest Great Lakes Roofing office to set up a free roofing consultation, or to have your roof professionally cleared of existing ice.

Don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Great Lakes Roofing Corporation at 800-871-5151. We’ll make sure your roof stays watertight.