Roof raking is a commonly used method to remove built up snow atop of houses, often done in efforts to prevent ice dams from building up. But sometimes, roofs are too large, or it would take too much effort to rake the whole roof. So, some homeowners may decide to only rake part of the roof. But doing so can be damaging to the roof!

With a normal, snow-covered roof, ice dams can form at the edge of the roof, causing damage as melted snow - either from the sun or warm air escaping the house - starts to seep through the roof, and into the house.  With a partially raked roof, however, ice dams have the chance to form higher up along the roof. This is because the raked area of the roof creates a new "cold edge", letting the freshly melted snow re-freeze higher up on the roof.

Here to the left, you can see an example of an ice dam forming higher up on an individual's home. The lower section, which had been raked, had allowed for a new cold edge for form. Along that cold edge, a new ice dam formed, freezing at the edge of the snowline on the roof. This new ice dam can cause even more damage, potentially causing even more widespread leaking.

What can be done?

The obvious next question then is "What can be done to prevent ice dams?" If you are looking for a real solution to ice dams, and have found other methods impractical or ineffective, we provide a real, effective solution to your ice dam issues. Don't struggle with roof raking or built up ice dams anymore. Contact us for a comprehensive quote for a solution to your ice dam problems.