Minneapolis Ice DamsIt’s that time of year again in Bloomington, MN when we start evaluating our homes and preparing for the winter ahead. At Tollefson Bros. Exteriors, Inc., we are prepping for winter too. Ice dams are one of the biggest problems for homeowners in Bloomington, MN. We want to make sure that all of our customers know how to prevent ice dams and what to do if they form on your own roof.

How Ice Dams are Formed

If we want to prevent ice dams, it’s vital that we know exactly what they are and how they are formed. An ice dam is typically formed at the edge of a roof. It is a ridge of ice that prevents water from properly draining off of the roof. It can cause major damage to the roof and in extreme cases, damage to your walls, ceilings, and insulation can also happen. Unfortunately, ice dams are very easily created and not so easily removed. As the first snow falls, the heat that is expelled from your roof can melt that layer of snow. Then as more snow comes down, the melted layer of snow will refreeze into ice. As this process of melting and freezing continues to happen, the ice dam is formed. Then, the damage begins to occur.

Ice Dam Damage

Once an ice dam is formed, it will block your water from flowing down off of your roof properly. As the water gets blocked, leaking into your roof can occur. Additionally, if the ice dam becomes large enough, your roof has the potential to collapse altogether. We can all agree that this is not an ideal situation for anyone living in Bloomington, MN over the winter. So what do we do from here? How do we fix it once it forms?

Ice Dam Removal and Prevention

Our first line of defense is always prevention. At Tollefson Bros. Exteriors, Inc., our professionals are experts at ice dams. They can look at your roof and the insulation in your attic and let you know if you are susceptible to ice dams. Through proper insulation and quality roofing, we can help prevent the likelihood of ice dams altogether. However if an ice dam forms on your roof, it’s important to always call a professional. Too many people have been injured and even killed while trying to remove ice dams from their roof. The professionals at Tollefson Bros. Exteriors, Inc., have over 25 years of experience in removing ice dams. We have the right equipment and training to safely and effectively remove your ice dams and prevent further damage to your roof.

For more information on ice dams and ways to help prevent and treat them, give Tollefson Bros. Exteriors, Inc., in Bloomington, MN a call today at 952-881-2218.