Australian weather patterns may be pretty temperate when compared to other countries, but this does not mean the country is exempt from chilly weather. And when the winters are particularly brutal, there is a high chance of ice dam formation on metal roofing. Ice dams come about when the guttering system is blocked. As a result, all precipitation freezes on the roof and can lead to various damages to your gutters, such as pulling away, cracks, leaks and so on. To mitigate this problem, it is imperative to get ahead of it. This piece lists a few tips for protecting your metal roofing from the formation of ice dams.

Rake away all snow on the roof

The first step to keeping your roof ice dam free is by preventing the precipitation from collecting in the first place. At the onset of snowfall, it is important to try your best to eliminate it from the roof the moment it stops snowing. It is never advisable to get on top of the roof on your own. Instead, use a long-handled rake to lightly brush off the snow while not damaging the surface of your roof.

Knock away all icicles

The presence of icicles is a surefire sign that your metal roof is vulnerable to ice dams. The icicles will end up blocking the gutters, which leads to snow collecting inside them. Furthermore, the icicles will exert pressure to the guttering system, which translates into the gutters being at risk of pulling apart from the roof. If you begin to notice the formation of icicles, use a shovel to try to knock them off the guttering system gently and relieve the extra weight on the gutters while also minimising the risk of a dam developing inside them.

Invest in heated cables

Depending on where you live in Australia, you may find that your metal roofing is highly prone to ice dams every single winter. This can be attributed to high levels of precipitation coupled with more snowfall than usual. Furthermore, your own roof's conditions, such as the degree of sunlight that it is exposed to or its slope's unique angle can also increase the chances of ice dam formation. If you find that you are constantly facing ice dams, then you should deliberate on investing in heated cables for your roof. Roofing contractors will strategically place these cables around the edge of your roof, and they will facilitate the melting of snow before it gets the chance to freeze and form ice dams on your metal roofing.