Ice Dams:
What Are They And How to Prevent Them
Indiana definitely gets its fair share of cold weather and snowstorms. While the snow may be pretty to look at sometimes, it can cause a variety of issues for your home, including ice dams. Ice dams can be difficult to recognize but can be incredibly harmful to the structure of your roof, causing damage to the roof sheathing as well as water damage on the inside of the home.
Before winter really settles in, get in touch with a roofing contractor at Big Boy’s Construction. Our team can conduct a thorough roof inspection to determine if there are any risks of ice dams forming. If any adjustments to the roofing system are needed, we can expertly repair problem areas or install any necessary ice dam prevention products. Learn more below, and contact us today for a free inspection.
Understanding Ice Dams and How to Prevent Them
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice Dam Prevention Starts With Understanding What They Are
Essentially, ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and that water freezes at the ledge of the roof, causing water to continually build up and freeze.
When left untreated, ice dams can result in gutters being torn away from the roof and loosening of shingles. The worst part is that water won’t properly drain off the roof, resulting in water seeping below the shingles and then into the attic. When water gets into the attic it can lead to mold, mildew, sagging ceilings, stains, and peeling paint.
Quick Fixes For Ice Dams
How to Prevent Ice Dams With Minimal Work
There are a few methods homeowners can try that won’t require the expertise of a roofing contractor.
- Use Heated Cables: To prevent water from refreezing at the edge of the roof, which is one of the initial causes of ice dams, homeowners can attach heated cables onto the roof, just above the gutters. Install them in a zigzag pattern for the most coverage, and the heat will allow water to flow into the gutters and away from the house.
- Blow Cold Air From the Inside: Heat inside the attic can cause snow to melt in the first place. To prevent snow from melting, try placing a box fan in the attic and aim it at the roof. This cold air will keep the snow frozen.
- Rake the Snow Off: Removing snow from the roof entirely is another way to prevent ice dams. There are a variety of styles of roof rakes: Aluminum is a popular material as it is strong and lightweight. Look for one with wheels to reduce the risk of damaging the shingles. This method is best for single-story homes.
Long-Term Ice Dam Prevention
Work With a Roofing Contractor For a Long-Term Fix
To truly prevent ice dams from forming, it may be best to work with a roofer who can thoroughly inspect the roof and determine what is needed for a permanent solution. There are two main methods that will ensure your roof is working properly in order to prevent ice dams: ventilation and insulation.
- Ventilation: When cool air can circulate under the roof, it will prevent warm air from melting snow on the roof. This can be done with ridge vents and continuous soffit vents. A professional roofer will know how many vents to install and where.
- Insulation: Keeping the attic cold will also prevent snow on the roof from melting. This can be done by adding more insulation to the floor of the attic. There are various options for insulation, so consult with a roofing company to determine the best solution for your attic.
More Permanent Fixes
In Addition to Ventilation and Insulation, Try These Roofing Solutions
- Cap the Hatch: An attic hatch, the opening where you enter the attic, is an opportunity for heat to escape into the attic. Cover the hatch with weatherstripped caps.
- Add Flashing Around Chimneys: Any opening is an opportunity for air to escape. Install L-shaped steel flashing.
- Seal Ducts: Cover HVAC and exhaust ducts with foil-faced fiberglass.
