Ice dam season is a familiar headache for many New England homeowners. And because New England sees long winters, heavy snow, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles, preventing ice dams on your roof is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home.

Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic, melts the underside of the snowpack, and then refreezes along the cold roof edge, creating a wall of ice that traps water behind it.

This guide walks homeowners like you through why ice dams form, how to spot early warning signs, the short-term steps you can take right now, and the long-term fixes that keep your roof protected for many winters to come. Continue reading to find out how you can keep your home safe—and when it’s time to call a roofing expert for help. (more…)