Tips to prevent leaks and ice damming on your roof this winter

Steve Barkhouse of Amsted Design Build says shoveling snow off your roof can prevent leaks and headaches later in winter. (Photo courtesy: Vanessa Barkhouse)

OTTAWA — In a year that feels like 300 years, with everyone working and learning from home, a leaky roof might just be the thing that has you yelling: DAM, OR ICE-DAM!!

Shoveling your roof does sound like as much fun as cleaning out the crisper in the fridge, or organizing receipts for your taxes.

Steve Barkhouse of Amsted Design Build says it’s one of those home maintenance jobs that can save you leaks and headaches down the road.

He swears by his roof rake, an extendable tool, which saves you from climbing onto the roof to clear the snow above the eavestrough and preventing ice damming.

Barkhouse recently demonstrated the process on CTV’s News at Noon.

Here he offers an explanation of ice damming, which may have you working outside on this Valentine’s Day weekend.

What is ice damming and how do I prevent it from damaging my home? 

"Ice damming is something we get questions on year after year. Heavy snowfalls, particularly coupled with fluctuating temperatures, can cause serious problems for your roof," says Barkhouse. "Left untreated, ice dams can damage your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold!”

Here, the water freezes.

What can you do?