Ice dams are thick layers of solid ice that build-up down the sides of buildings. Once you have solid sheets of ice, it can be challenging to break through them. Ice dams can cause an incredible amount of damage to your building and should be removed before they build up.
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Commercial Ice Dam Removal vs Residential Ice Dam Removal
The equipment used to remove the ice dams from a commercial building or a residence is generally the same. Commercial buildings don’t usually have gutters and Instead have a scupper on the edge of the building that drains the water and allows it to run directly down the building. The scuppers can cause a significant build-up of ice on the building side, also known as an ice dam. Commercial buildings have little to no roof overhang, which allows the ice to fall down the sides. When removing ice dams from commercial buildings, there is a unique concern because people are coming in and out, and you don’t want a safety hazard at your commercial building. To resolve this concern, there is a spotter on the ground during ice dam removal watching all entrances to make sure no one is walking underneath. When someone comes to the door, the spotter radios up to the roof to make sure they stop so the people can proceed. The spotter also fuels the steamer as it is harder for the crew, removing the ice dams to come down from the roof.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice damming is often caused by poor insulation where the roof and walls meet. Inadequate insulation allows heat to seep out and warm the roof, which melts the ice. As the water runs under the snow, it loses heat and freezes, causing an ice dam. When there is a lot of snow on the roof, it can act as an insulator that heats the roof. When this happens, the roof snow melts, and the snow absorbs water and turns it to ice. The bottom layer of snow may also melt and run down the roof. It reaches colder parts of the roof, freezes again, and causes ice dams.
Consequences of Leaving Ice Dams Untreated
If you leave commercial ice dams untreated, they can cause icicles to form. Icicles are dangerous because they fall as they melt and can fall on a person walking by or a car, which can turn deadly. The ice dam can cause water to pool or back up, causing your roof to crack and leak leading to the potential for water damage and mold in your commercial building.
Questions to Ask The Commercial Ice Dam Removal Crew
Before hiring a professional ice dam removal service, you should ask some questions. The first question you want to ask is, does your insurance cover removing ice dams. This is essential due to the potential hazards as they fall.
You want to ask how much it will cost to have a professional ice dam removal crew to remove the ice dams from your commercial building. Many factors impact the amount of time it takes for commercial ice dam removal, including the temperature, location of the ice dams, and the amount of snow on the roof. The height of the building can also impact how long it will take to remove ice dams.
Why Hire a Professional to Remove Commercial Ice Dams?
If ice damming happens to your building, you should keep in mind that removing them is dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you are doing. If it is not done correctly, you can do serious damage to the building. Hiring a professional ice dam removal team will ensure that the job is done correctly without harming the roof or scuppers. The only safe way to remove ice dams is steam and low-pressure hot water. You should always make sure you contact a professional to deal with any ice dams. The team at Squeegee Squad are professionals that have expertise and knowledge for safely removing ice dams. They have the correct equipment, and you can have peace of mind knowing your ice dams will be removed safely without damaging your building. Contact them today to see how they can get rid of your ice dams.
Get a local ice dam removal quote from your local Squeegee Squad Today.