(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — While it might seem natural in weather like this to have large icicles hanging from your roof, it could be the sign of a more deep-seated problem.
John Thomas, a project manager at Mega Pros Home Improvement, says the icicles are a sign that warm air is getting into your attic and melting the snow on your roof. The water refreezes as it drips off.
Thomas suggests checking your attic to make sure it has enough insulation or has any air leaks that allow heat from below to escape.
He says it's probably best to call in a professional who can diagnose and fix the problem safely — or, just allow the snow and ice to melt naturally.
Removing the icicles yourself could cause damage to your roof, he said. It could also be dangerous.
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The proper depth of attic insulation is key to preventing ice dams and other potential winter roof catastrophes. The Family Handyman says building codes require about 12-in. to 14-in. of fiberglass or cellulose. "Add more if you have less than eight inches and have had ice dam problems in the past," the site says.
Its experts add, "blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are usually better than hand-placed batts, because they fill more tightly around rafters, joists and other obstructions, leaving fewer gaps. It’s usually worth hiring a professional for this job; you probably won’t save much by doing it yourself."
Icedamremovalguys.com also recommend purchasing a specialized roof rake to clear the white stuff off your roof. "Your response to those little icicles should be to break out your fancy new roof rake and remove the snow from your roof. Remove the snow from your overhangs, at the very least. Icicles have to attach somewhere on your roof, which means there’s more ice up there," they wrote. "You can keep those baby ice dams from getting bigger, or you can let them grow into big-n’-hairy ice dams that may cause leaking and heartache."