The roof on our home is there to protect the rest of the house, the people, and the belongings inside. While a good roof should last for many years, there are problems that can occur, like an ice dams on your roof.
Leaks are a common concern with most roofs and can be caused by any number of issues. Leaks themselves cause a lot of damage so it’s best to keep on top of them.
What is an ICE DAM?
An ice dam on your roof is similar to an ice dam you might find in a river or stream. They block the flow of run-off water. If you see icicles hanging from the eaves of your home, chances are you have an ice dam.
An ice dam is a solid ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof. The icicles you see are formed because the ice dam prevents the melting snow and ice from escaping quickly.
If you can see icicles, you should be able to see the ice dam along the edge of the roof where the icicles are attached. These ice dams are solid ice and can cause damage to your roof and eaves.
What Causes Ice Dams?
When the sun hits your roof and the snow or ice begins to melt, the water will start to drain. It is supposed to run off your roof, into your eaves, and be taken down to a place below.
If your insulation isn’t functioning properly, then small patches of snow and ice over top will begin to melt. Once these patches thaw and refreeze, it forms a dam at the edge of your roof.
As this cycle continues, the dam will get larger and heavier. If the moisture is allowed to seep into your shingles or through small holes or cracks, then the damage will become more extensive.
How to Prevent an Ice Dam from Forming on Your Roof.
While there is nothing you can do about the sun melting the snow and ice on your roof, you can take steps to prevent future ice dams from forming. This starts from inside your home.
Call your roofing expert for an inspection. Hot air escaping through your roof not only causes snow and ice to melt, but it sends your energy bills soaring. Your roofing expert can find the areas you need to make repairs.
The roofing pros can find where the heat is getting out and also find any holes or cracks that are a potential for future damage. Getting these roofing repairs will keep your roof cooler and stop the dams from forming.
How to Remove an ICE DAM – DIY or Call a Roofing Expert?
Many homeowners think they can get rid of the ice dams themselves, but it is not a good idea. Climbing up a ladder in the winter is never a smart move and you risk getting severely injured.
You should never try to knock the icicles off the eaves from underneath them. These can cause a lot of pain and injury, even fatally. The icicles are not the dam, they are just a result of it.
Trust the roofing experts to remove the ice, snow, and the ice dams from your roof. They have the expertise, the tools, and the know-how to do it quickly and safely.
Trying to remove them yourself can not only get you hurt, but you may damage your roof. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover these DIY projects and these can be expensive,
5 Ways That ICE DAMs Can Affect Your Home
Ice dams on your roof can cause a lot of damage to your roof and home that can be very costly to repair.
- Roof Damage
Ice dams melt and freeze in a cycle. This can damage your shingles, causing them to break, lift, and rot.
- Leaks
Once holes or cracks have developed, then water and moisture can get inside. This will hurt your attic, walls, and floors. You can also get mold starting to grow under your insulation.
- Eaves and Gutters
The ice dam and icicles are heavy. These can freeze up inside your eaves and cause them to crack, break, or tear them right off the roof.
- Icicles
Icicles along the edge of your roof often look nice but they are potentially dangerous. They can break off and fall down, injuring someone or causing damage to windows, or other household items below.
- Interior Damage
If left unattended for too long, the ice dams melting into your home can cause extensive damage to wiring, causing wood to warp, and peeling paint and wallpaper.
Call The Experts
Don’t try to take care of an ice dam yourself. Contact us for all your roofing needs and repairs, and keep your roof healthier for longer.
