If you're tired of dodging falling icicles and overflowing gutters, this blog is for you!
Wintertime can bring harsh weather that can impact your home. Ice dams, formations of ice that clog gutters and harm your roof, can wreak havoc if not resolved. We'll explore the details behind ice dam formation, discuss effective prevention strategies, and guide you on how to spot and safely remove these icy intruders. Let's get started!
What is an Ice Dam?
Ice dams form when snow on a roof experiences a cycle of melting and refreezing. This typically happens when daytime warmth and sunshine melt rooftop snow. When the melted water flows towards the colder roof edge, it refreezes, creating a ridge of ice. This can grow larger as more snow melts and refreezes, either on the existing dam or behind it.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams pose a significant threat to both your gutters and roof despite being separate systems. They are interconnected, as gutters play a crucial role in directing water away from the roof. Ice buildup can weaken the roof structure, loosening shingles, damaging sheathing, and warping soffits.
Consider the following approaches for ice dam prevention.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters cannot properly drain water. Debris, including blossoms, leaves, seed pods, twigs, and dirt, build up over time in the gutters. When gutters become clogged with debris, water can back up on the roof and seep under shingles, leading to roof leaks.
If the blockage causes the gutters to overflow, it can lead to foundation issues, basement flooding, and landscape erosion. Stagnant water can also form inside clogged gutters, encouraging the growth of mold and mildew and providing breeding grounds for insects.
What to Do
Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned by a gutter repair and replacement contractor. At Oaks, we recommend gutter cleaning twice yearly to clear and remove debris so snow, ice, and rain can flow into and through them.
Maintain a Consistent Roof Temperature
Maintaining a consistent roof temperature is crucial for preventing ice dams. Heat escaping from your living space into the attic can cause snow to melt on the roof. This uneven heat triggers melted snow to flow downslope, where it reaches colder areas, like the eaves.
If there is a large temperature difference between areas of the roof, the melted water will refreeze and form a dam. This melt-refreeze cycle is the root cause of ice dam formation.
A consistently cool roof minimizes initial snowmelt and reduces the amount of water available to refreeze. This significantly decreases the likelihood of ice dam formation.
What to Do
Keeping a consistent roof temperature is crucial for preventing ice dams. Start by having a roofing expert seal and insulate any vulnerable areas in your attic. This can include HVAC system joints, exhaust ducts, electrical cables, and vent pipes.
Next, have a roofing professional do a comprehensive evaluation of your roofing system. This assessment should include checking your attic insulation levels and inspecting your attic ventilation system, ensuring adequate airflow from eaves and roof vents.
Remove Snow on Roof
Snow itself doesn’t directly cause ice dams. However, it plays a role in their formation, providing the water source for ice dam formation. Uneven melting caused by heat escaping from the house, leading to the refreezing process, is the real source of ice dams.
The prevention strategies above will help reduce heat loss and promote a steady temperature. While these measures work well, we still recommend removing excessive snow from your roof as a precaution.
What to Do
Clear the snow from your roof to reduce weight and prevent ice dams. Use a roof rake, push broom, or hire a professional to do this safely. This could help prevent ice dams from forming.
Can I Fix an Ice Dam Myself?
Improper work on ice dams can lead to severe consequences, like water damage, leaks that damage your ceiling and attic, or loss of warm air from an air leak. Furthermore, the roof's decking can be harmed, and the attic's insulation, beams, and framing can be compromised. Gutter ice dams can even cause warping or detachment from your home.
Removing ice dams can be dangerous and should always be left to professionals. Dealing with slippery conditions, large icicles, and frozen materials can lead to dangerous situations, for you and your home.
Hire a professional roofing contractor, like Oaks Roofing & Siding, to deal with ice damming. As a homeowner, you can focus on preventing ice damming by keeping your gutters clean from leaves and debris, and snow raking your roof.
Professional Ice Damming Contractors
Experts like Oaks Roofing & Siding possess the necessary equipment and expertise to safely assess your roof and recommend the most effective solutions to prevent future ice dam formation.
If you recognize signs of ice damming on your roof or gutters, contact Oaks Roofing & Siding. Remember, removing ice dams can be dangerous and should always be left to professionals. Our expert team has the equipment and expertise to assess your roof safely and recommend the most effective solutions. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need ice dam removal, damage repair, or prevention strategies.
Oaks Roofing & Siding: Quality You Can Trust
At Oaks Roofing & Siding, we offer various dumpster sizes to meet your needs. Our dedicated representatives are always here to answer questions so your rental process goes smoothly. Call or contact us today, and we'll be happy to help.
