Overview
- Roof-cleaning and roofing firms report heavy demand, including more than 400 ice-dam calls to a Pittsburgh contractor over the past two weeks.
- Experts identify professional steaming as the safest removal method and warn against using salt or attempting risky DIY fixes.
- Recommended steps include roof rakes and manufacturer-approved melt products now, with prevention focused on attic insulation and ventilation.
- Prolonged cold is triggering leaks even on mid-aged roofs, and coverage gaps mean some insurance policies may not fully pay for damage.
- New Hampshire officials are reviewing whether falling ice contributed to a Nashua gas explosion and advise checking for buildup near meters and utility lines.