Ice Dams and Your Commercial Roof

Ice dams are a common concern in climates that get a lot of snow throughout the year. While much of the education surrounding ice dam prevention and removal focuses on residential roofs, it’s important to consider the risks of ice dams if you own a commercial building as well.

So, what are ice dams?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on a roof, usually near the edge, which prevents melting snow from draining off the roof via the gutters or scuppers. When snow on the roof melts, the water gathers on the colder roof edge and refreezes, forming an ice dam. This can lead to water backup and can potentially cause leaks and other structural damage.

How Ice Dams Form:

1. Snow accumulates on the roof.
2. Heat from the building warms the roof, causing the snow to melt.
3. The water flows to the edge of the roof, where it refreezes and builds up into an ice dam.
4. As the ice dam grows, it can trap more water behind it, causing the water to back up and potentially leak into the building, damaging ceilings, walls, and insulation. Leaks can also cause mold growth and other issues if left unaddressed.

How to Prevent Ice Dams:

• Remove snow from your roof promptly, especially after heavy snowfall.
• Have a professional inspect your building’s insulation and make any necessary repairs to
• keep the roof cold and prevent rapid snow melting.
• In addition to the insulation in your building, your roof’s ventilation should be inspected and repaired if necessary to allow for proper air circulation and reduce heat buildup and hot spots on the roof.
• Keep your roof’s gutters, scuppers, and downspouts clean to ensure water can flow off the roof. Keeping these elements free of debris is one of the most important things you can do to prevent ice dams.

Ice dams can cause significant damage to your commercial roof if left unchecked, so regular snow removal and maintenance of your roof, gutters, downspouts, and scuppers are crucial for prevention. If you’re a commercial property owner, you don’t want to risk your employees’ safety or the integrity of your building and its contents—make sure you’re prepared to prevent and remove ice dams if they arise.

Do you have questions about ice dam prevention or removal? Give our roofing experts a call! We offer free inspections.