Preventing Ice Dams in Fargo, ND: A Winter Roof Survival Guide

Winter in the Red River Valley is a stress test for your home, and at Fargo Roofing, we know that the biggest threats, ice dams and wind-driven snow, often go unnoticed until water starts dripping inside. Don’t wait for a leak to act. Here is your guide to preventing winter roof damage and ensuring your home survives the deep freeze.

Why Do Ice Dams Form in North Dakota?

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your living space into the attic, warming the roof deck and melting the bottom layer of snow. This water runs down the roof until it hits the cold eaves (the overhang), where it refreezes. Over time, this ice builds up, forming a dam that traps water behind it.

In Fargo, this problem is intensified by our extreme temperature differentials. When it is -20°F outside and 70°F inside, even a small air leak, like a gap around an attic hatch or light fixture, acts like a blast furnace pumping heat into your attic.

The 3 Main Causes of Ice Dams in the Valley:

1. Attic Bypasses: Air leaks that let warm house air into the attic.
2. Inadequate Insulation: Older homes often lack the R-value needed to keep heat inside.
3. Poor Ventilation: If hot air can’t escape the attic through ridge vents, it gets trapped and melts the snow.

Can Standard Shingles Handle Fargo Winters?

Standard asphalt shingles can become brittle and crack in sub-zero temperatures, especially under high wind stress. When the thermometer drops below zero, standard asphalt loses its flexibility. If a strong gust hits an old, brittle shingle, it can snap or tear off entirely.

For homeowners in our region, we often recommend upgrading to Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles. These are made with SBS-modified asphalt (rubberized), which allows them to flex even in deep freezes.

Decision Matrix: Is an Upgrade Worth It?

Use this comparison to decide if Class 4 shingles are right for your home:

Feature	Standard Shingle (Class 3)	Impact Resistant (Class 4)	Why it Matters in Fargo
Flexibility	Low (Becomes brittle at 0°F)	High (SBS Rubberized Asphalt)	Prevents cracking during -30°F cold snaps.
Wind Rating	Typically 60-110 mph	Up to 130-150 mph	Critical for open prairie wind gusts.
Hail Defense	Vulnerable to quarter-sized hail	Resists steel ball drop tests	Reduces insurance claims after summer storms.

Can You Install a New Roof in North Dakota in Freezing Temperatures?

A common myth is that you cannot replace a roof in the winter.

Yes, professional roofers can install roofs year-round in North Dakota, but it requires specific manual sealing techniques.

Standard shingles have a strip of thermal sealant that relies on the sun’s heat to melt and seal the shingle to the one below it. In the winter, that automatic seal won’t happen.

How We Do It Safely: At Fargo Roofing, we don’t wait for the sun. During winter installations, our crews hand-seal every single shingle with a specialized roofing cement. This ensures that your roof is wind-resistant the moment we leave your driveway, regardless of the temperature.

How to Stop Wind-Driven Snow Leaks

The Red River Valley is flat, which means wind speeds are higher here than in many other parts of the Midwest. This creates “wind-driven snow” – fine powder that is pushed horizontally (or even vertically) up under your flashing and vents.

Wind-driven snow can bypass standard flashing; a reinforced waterproofing layer is required to stop it.

To combat this, we recommend:

• Ice & Water Shield: A self-sealing membrane installed on the wooden deck. While code requires it only at the eaves, in Fargo’s open terrain, we often recommend installing it 6 feet (two rows) up the roof deck and around all penetrations (chimneys, vents) to act as a final waterproof barrier.

When is Snow Load a Danger?

Most residential roofs are designed to withstand 20-40 pounds per square foot of snow. However, drifting snow caused by prairie winds can exceed this limit quickly, especially in roof valleys or on lower roof sections.

Signs Your Roof is Under Stress:

• New cracks appearing in drywall or plaster indoors.
• Interior doors that start sticking or won’t close properly.
• Popping or creaking noises coming from the ceiling.

Safety Tip: If you need to remove snow, use a roof rake with extended reach to pull snow off the edges while standing safely on the ground. Never use a shovel or pressure washer on your roof, as this will strip the protective granules off your shingles and void your warranty.

Is Your Roof Ready for the Deep Freeze?

Don’t wait until water is dripping into your living room to think about your roof. Prevention is always cheaper than restoration.

If you are concerned about your attic insulation, suspect you have “attic bypasses,” or want to check if your shingles are brittle, Contact Fargo Roofing today. We can perform a comprehensive winter inspection to ensure your home stays warm and dry all winter long. Call us now at 701-371-7204 to schedule it.