How to Prevent Ice Dams Caused by Heavy Snow

(KNSI) – Last week’s foot of the white stuff was great for building snowmen but not so good for your home.

Home improvement company owner Sean Lutgen says the wet, heavy slush is a huge problem when it falls in December at the beginning of the winter season.

“This early in the year when the days are basically super short, the sunlight doesn’t have much time during the day, the sun is not very intense. We get this type of snow early in the season and it’s up there the rest of the season and it can make some problems for people.”

He expects Lutgen Companies to be busy for months dealing with the consequences of ice dams.

Lutgen says they need to be removed as much as possible, but he warns against going overboard.

“It’s fine if you end up having to leave that inch of ice crust snow layer that’s down in the shingles. We don’t want to damage our shingles and pound down all the way to the asphalt to get it super clean. You know, a lot of times the sun will kind of finish that up over time.”

An ice dam prevents melted snow from flowing into gutters and off the roof. Instead, the water works its way inside where it causes mold and other damage to the insulation.

Lutgen appeared on KNSI Monday morning with host Bob Hughes.

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