As winter approaches, preparing your home for potential snow and ice is crucial to avoid the formation of damaging ice dams.
Learn about the formation of ice dams, the risks they pose to your home, and effective prevention strategies.
What Is an Ice Dam?
- An ice dam is a mass of ice along the roof’s bottom edge, hindering water drainage and causing potential damage to the structure, roofing system, and gutters.
How Do Ice Dams Form?
- Uneven roof heating causes snow to melt at the top, running down to the cooler roof edge and refreezing, creating a block of ice that prevents proper drainage.
Impact of Ice Dams on a House:
- Ice dams trap melting snow, leading to water seepage under shingles, soaking the roof, sheathing, and attic insulation.
- Leaks may extend to the attic space and living areas, posing structural and safety hazards.
4 Ice Dam Prevention Tips:
- Clean Your Gutters:
- Remove debris to prevent clogged gutters, discouraging ice dam formation.
- Use a Roof Rake to Remove Snow:
- Safely remove snow at the lower roof edge after heavy snowfall, preventing ice dams.
- Assess Your Attic Ventilation System:
- Ensure proper attic ventilation to maintain consistent roof heating, reducing the freeze-thaw cycle that leads to ice dams.
- Call a Professional:
- Roofing contractors can safely remove ice dams using steam and assess ventilation, insulation, and potential leak barrier installation.
Conclusion: Taking proactive steps to prevent ice dams, such as cleaning gutters, removing snow safely, and addressing attic ventilation, can safeguard your home from potential winter damage. Consulting with roofing professionals ensures a thorough assessment and appropriate preventive measures for a secure winter season.