Residents warned to watch for ice dams as temperatures rise

The temperatures have gone from freezing to more mild conditions this week, which means residents should start looking out for ice dams.

Those are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent water from melting snow from draining off the roof.

Brennan Mills, the manager with Fire & Flood Ltd., said the weather system changes can cause potentially serious injuries or property damages.

“It is a very real concern. Our Saskatchewan climate is conducive to ice buildup in various points through the winter,” Mills said.

“This freeze-thaw is causing damages, whether it be falling ice or built-up ice that can lead to the ice damming.”

Icicles also could hang off roofs and could possibly fall and cause serious injuries.

“Those big ice heaves that you see hanging off the edge, they don’t go away on their own. There is some melting and that can cause those to fall,” Mills said.

Strong winds can add a different element into the mix, according to the Fire & Flood manager.

“Wind can cause snow drifts to occur (and that) creates another problem to keep an eye on,” Mills said. “If you’ve got a commercial property or a building that has a large roof space, the wind can help create those drifts.

“Monitor that because your roof may not be designed to carry that weight.”

Mills warned that individuals shouldn’t go on the roof themselves.

“You can see signs on the interior of a building, maybe cracking or shifting, (or) sounds,” he said. “Anything you think if out of the ordinary is something to watch out for.

“Climbing on the roof yourself may not be the best idea. We want to be safe through this.”

Mills provides a couple of key tips to summarize certain points to stay safe.

“Regarding property damage with rain on top of snow, it can add weight so keep an eye on different areas,” he said. “Make sure you direct your downspouts away from your property (and) make sure that the water doesn’t back into your property.

“It’s all hands on deck in some ways right now.”