In the Midwest, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to find ice
dams on their roofs. But what are they, and why do they form?
Ice dams are created when heat from your home melts the snow
on your roof. The water then flows down to the cold edge of your roof, where it
refreezes. This forms a dam that prevents melting water from draining off your
roof. While ice dams can be unsightly, they can also cause serious damage to
your home. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and
cause damage to your walls, ceilings, and insulation.
What are ice dams?
An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of a roof
during cold weather. Ice dams can damage roofs and cause water to leak into
homes. They are caused by warm air melting snow on the roof. The melted snow
runs down the roof and freezes when it reaches the cold air at the edge of the
roof.
Why do I have them?
There are several factors that can contribute to the
formation of ice dams, including inadequate insulation and ventilation, and
improper roof design.
One of the most common causes of ice dams is inadequate
insulation. When heat escapes from the home through the walls and roof, it can
cause snow on the roof to melt. This melted snow can then refreeze, forming an
ice dam.
Another factor that can contribute to ice dam formation is
improper roof design. Your roof should have a slope that allows water to run
off easily. If your roof is flat or has a shallow slope, it’s more likely to
form an ice dam. If a roof does not have proper drainage, melted snow can pool
on the roof and then refreeze. This can also lead to ice dam formation.
Finally, inadequate ventilation can also be a factor in ice
dam formation. When heat builds up in the attic, it can cause snow on the roof
to melt. This melted snow then flows down to the gutters where it refreezes,
forming a dam. As more and more snow melts and refreezes, the dam may grow
larger and larger until the roof finally collapses under the weight, causing
all that water to pour into your home.
The dangers of ice dams
Ice dams are a serious problem that can lead to extensive
damage to your home. They occur when ice and snow build up on your roof,
causing water to back up behind the dam. This can cause leaks in your roof,
walls, and ceilings, as well as mold and mildew problems. Ice dams can also
cause gutters and downspouts to fail, and can even cause the collapse of your
entire roof.
How to prevent ice dams
If your home is prone to ice dams, there are some
preventative measures you can take. In the fall, make sure your gutters are
clean and in good repair. If your gutters are full of leaves and other debris,
they won’t be able to properly drain water away from your roof. Also, you can install
gutter guards or heat tape. Gutter guards or heat tape can help keep water from
accumulating in your gutters in the first place. In the winter, keep your attic
well-ventilated to prevent heat from escaping and melting snow on the roof. Ice
dams can cause serious damage to your roof, and they’re a pain to deal with. These
are some actions you can take to prevent them.
How to remove ice dams
If an ice dam does form, you’ll need to remove it quickly to
prevent water damage. You can use a roof rake to pull down the snow and break
up the dam. Be careful not to damage your shingles in the process. You can also
apply calcium chloride or rock salt to melt through the ice.
How can Superior Insealators help?
There are several things Superior Insealators can do to
prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. First, we can make sure that your
attic is well-insulated so that heat doesn’t escape and melt the snow on your
roof. Second, we can help you keep your gutters clean so that they can properly
drain melting water. Finally, we can help you install a heated gutter system or
heated cables on your roof to help prevent ice dams from forming. You can
install special products that allow water to drain off the roof before it has a
chance to freeze.
Superior Insealators can help prevent ice dams with our
insulation products and services. We can help you identify the causes of your
ice dams and recommend the best course of action to prevent them from forming
in the future. Contact us today to learn more!
