Winter Blues 2014-2015 - ALO Seamless Gutters

Having recently been out assessing the state of gutter disrepair after this horrendous winter, we feel it best to inform our customers of the damage(s) that ice dams and excessive roof snow can and do cause, as well as what we are seeing.

Tree Split from Falling Ice Dam

Ice dams form along your roofline when the snow on the roof melts, runs down the roof, and then re-freezes at the uninsulated edge of the roof, forming a barrier or dam. With the weather we’ve experienced over this last winter of 2014-2015, especially during the month of February 2015 – sunny days (which can melt snow on a roof, even when it’s below freezing) and very cold nights, these are the perfect conditions for ice dams to form.

297 lb test Bar Hangers Bent and Warped From Ice Dam Weight

You must take extra caution, however. Ice dams will block up gutters and downspouts and the extra weight can rip the gutter down, many times including the fascia and the soffitry as well.

Fascia and Soffit Brought Down by Ice Dams

The ice itself can also loosen your shingles and cause water to back up inside the home – most unpleasant! This is why it is important to be very diligent about clearing any snow from your roof. See some of these pictures of just what this past season has brought us.