The weather all year round beats your roof up, especially during winter. Some of these frequent and very expensive winter beatdowns are caused by ice dams, and even though it may not sound like a big thing, it may destroy your roof and leave it leaking.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice, which is formed on the edge of your roof or mostly on the eaves. It prevents melting of the snow where it is not supposed to be, and it may lead to the destruction of water, moulding and destruction of your insulation. The way to form ice dams may be of great assistance in the sense that you can help yourself save your roof.
How Do Ice Dams Form
Heat Escaping Through the Roof
Ice dams occur when warm air in your house escapes into your attic due to improper insulation or leaks. The heat melts the roof, and the snow melts.
Melting Snow
Even when it’s freezing outside, the heat melts snow on the roof’s top. This melted snow now slowly starts to drip down the roof, causing all sorts of problems.
Water Refreezes at the Eaves
When melted snow runs off your roof, it hits the colder edges and gutters. Because it’s colder there, the water freezes again, making ice that clogs up your gutters.
The Ice Builds Up Over Time
This ice buildup in the gutter and eaves can eventually damage them. And when features like gutters are damaged, it can slowly compromise the foundation over the years or lead to soil erosion.
Why Ice Dams Are Dangerous
They can be dangerous because they cause some of the following problems:
- Ice dams can easily damage the roof, causing it to leak and produce ceiling stains.
- Rotting roof decking and shingles.
- If left unchecked, they damage gutters and downspouts, two essential parts of any building.
- The moisture created during the melting phase or during a leak creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, and so the respiratory problems they bring.
- The damage and weakened roof structure will cause repair costs to balloon.
How To Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage
Have Well Insulated Attic
A well-insulated house will avoid heating the roof but retain the heat in the living space, thus preventing ice dams. Insulation of the attic is known to maintain the temperature of the roof.
Close Unnecessary Air Leaks
Venture seals, chimney seals, lights, and attic hatches are installed to ensure that warm air does not heat the roof snow. Delayed melting of the snow decreases the possibility of the ice dams.
Clear Snow and Do it Frequently
When the roof gets deep in the snow, then clear the roof using a roof rake. This prevents the melting and refreezing of the snow in the gutters. With this continuing, you will be able to prevent ice dams.
Schedule Meeting With Professionals
The best option to alleviate any problems is to hire a roofing professional who can identify weak points, insulation issues, and ventilation problems before winter damage occurs.
Trust the Roofing Experts at Nor’Easter Roofing
Finding a skilled professional to handle every aspect of your roofing project can be challenging. That’s why you can rely on Nor’Easter Roofing for all your roofing needs—contact us today at 508-667-3278 to get started.
