It's warmer out than it was a couple of weeks ago, and that's great, but this is Minnesota, so don't get used to it, plus have you seen your roof lately? Icicle city. That's what we get for wishing for warmer temps.
So what's happening?
It turns out that icicles are only part of the problem. If you see icicles, ice dams are likely on the roof, too, and they bring the potential for serious property damage. While the chance of being hit by an icicle falling off the roof is always a hazard, the more likely danger is to your house.
ICE DAMS AND WATER DAMAGE
How ice dams form
Potential damage
Ice dams form a ridge at the edge of roofs and prevent meltwater from running off. As pools of water back up behind the ice dams, the meltwater can work its way underneath the shingles. This is especially true if temperatures rise and fall above and below the freezing point, causing the water to melt and refreeze.
If water seeps into the roof, it can get to the framing or insulation of the house and cause mold and mildew to form, or with enough time, rot.
What to do about ice dams?
Remove snow from the roof if possible. This makes it less likely that meltwater will back up behind the ice dam. Roof rakes or brooms can work, but be careful about damaging the roof.
If it's an emergency because water is flowing into the house, the University of Minnesota Extension program recommends using a hose and tap water on a warm day to "cut" a channel in the ice dam, allowing any trapped water to flow off the roof. This might help for a few days, but if temperatures fall below freezing again, the ice dam will reform.
