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Ice dams, icicles or winter ceiling stains.

A trained crew should do any roof, ice or attic repair work.

Customers put it like this

  • huge icicles on the eaves
  • water comes in when the snow melts
  • ice built up at the roof edge
  • the ceiling stained this winter
Prepare this job in ForeBotFind another guide

Stop first if

  • There is ice, frost, high wind or lightning.Stay off the roof. Log the conditions and that nobody went up.
  • Ice could fall at the eave.Keep people out from under that edge.
  • A roof or ceiling sags under snow.Keep people out and call an engineer.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Where are the icicles or bands of ice?
  2. Where does water show inside?
  3. Do you see bare patches in the snow?
  4. What is in the attic above that spot, such as lights, ducts or equipment?
  5. Has anyone added insulation or heat cable?
02

Bring

6
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight
  • Thermal imager
  • Tape measure
  • Roof plan sketch sheet
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

6
  1. From the ground, map melt patches, bands and icicle clusters.
  2. In the attic, on framing only, check ceiling penetrations under the patches.
  3. Check insulation over top plates, and ducts or equipment above the insulation.
  4. Check that the deck is vented in every bay. Record vented or unvented.
  5. Note uniform snow with leaks, which points elsewhere, and attic frost melt.
  6. Plan repairs in order: air seal, insulate over plates, then ventilate. Membrane and heat cable only limit damage.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Map of melt patches and icicle clusters
  • Attic photos under each patch
  • Ground snow load for the area
  • Vented or unvented, and insulation depth over plates

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.