What Is Ice Dam Steaming
We have been asked on several occasions, “what is ice dam steaming?” Ice dam steaming is the process of converting cold water into gentle low pressure steam and directing the spray of steam through a special nozzle to melt through and underneath the ice dam to remove it from the roof and gutters. Ice dam steaming is the safest and fastest way to remove ice dams from any roof. Ice dam steaming is the gentlest solution for properties with a roof leak. Low pressure ice dam steaming is the method most preferred nationwide by roofing manufacturers and insurance companies. Why, because low pressure steam cannot cut through roofing materials like a hot pressure washer and will not cause future damage. At the very minimum a pressure washer will remove granules from the shingle and cause premature roof failure, and shorten the life of the shingle.
Call IDSAFE # 612-460-0474 to learn more or to get your ice dams removed.
One of the best video describing what ice dam steaming is:
Ice dam steaming starts with cold water running through many feet of metal coils inside the steamer as shown on this graph. The coils are super heated by a kerosene burner which turns the water into steam. The steam is then directed through the hose up to the roof with low pressure. From the roof or ladder the user will melt through and underneath the ice dam to loosen them from the roof and gutters. Ice dam steaming machines are fine tuned to be as safe and gentle as possible. The pressure and temperature of ice dam steaming equipment is very important! Countless hours of research has been done to optimize these machines and determine the most gentle temperature and pressure.
Ice dam steaming is the quickest known way to remove 100% of the ice safely without damaging the roofing materials. Pressurized steam has the ability to melt through the ice with heat, but the heat is unable to do damage to the roofing. Low pressure steam is so safe and gentle that it cannot even remove spray paint from a sheet of Styrofoam! A hot pressure washer (which many companies call a steamer!) will cut holes completely through the foam. The foam is a representation of your roof!
Ice dam steaming is the safest way to remove ice dams from your roof. It is never ever recommended to use a pressure washer or blunt force objects on roofs. Hot pressure washers cannot produce steam and do not run low enough pressure to be safe. Pressurized water has the ability to cut materials and steam does not. Everyone considering hiring someone for this service should learn how to distinguish between low pressure ice dam steaming equipment and a hot pressure washer.
If you are looking to hire a company for ice dam steaming please consider hiring our members first before non members. Our members have all been verified and are guaranteed to use the correct low pressure steam equipment! If you find our logo on a website it will link back to our site for verification. This verification process prevents false members. If you need help locating members in your area please contact us.