Ice Buildup- winter water penetration

It is natural to be concerned with excessive ice build up on your new home roof however it is not always due to poor construction. An onsite inspection is often required to determine what the real cause is. 

Sunny cold days should be of concern if there is snow build up on your roof. The sun shinning on often dark shingles will heat your roof melting the snow and then freeze as it hits the metal evetrough creating an ice damn. If this is not addressed it may back up pushing water under the shingles finding a way into your home. 

Preventative measures

• Remove trough- Yes not practical however also not code. The trough is where the water will freeze starting the backup. 
• Install heat cables- A very realistic option, relatively cheap peace of mind. 
• Pull snow off roof- Again not practical however if we are in a period of cold sunny days having the snow removed is an option. 

Is it builder error?

Again an inspection to understand what is going on should be completed. Code requires proper protection of the eve and all roofing companies and builders are very conscious of ensuring flashing and eve protection are done correctly however it can occur. More often the builder has followed and often exceeded code. 

Caution 

Homeowners have been known to throw salt on their roof to melt snow and ice. Salt may damage the shingles or metal eve trough. 

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Ice Buildup On The Roof

Article Number5.6

Condition ICE BUILDUP ON THE ROOF

Performance Ice and icicles are a natural occurrence on roofs.

Warranty None. · Damage caused by improper maintenance is not covered by the statutory warranty.

Action The builder is not required to take any action.

Remarks Ice dams and icicles occur when the roof surface is warm enough to melt the snow but the air temperature is cold enough to re-freeze the melt water. Natural weather patterns, building exposure, roof design and elevated attic temperatures, due to both the insulating effects of snow accumulation on the roof and air leakage from the interior of the building, can contribute to ice forming on roofs. Professional removal of buildups of ice and snow can help reduce the likelihood of water leaks. See section 5.4 “Roof or Flashing Leaks” for water leakage resulting from ice dams. This condition is warranted only where there is a demonstrated Building Code violation or a defect in work or material supplied by the builder.