Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof This Winter

Snow and ice on your roof may be unavoidable, but damage from that snow and ice doesn’t need to be if you take the proper precautions and stay on top of the situation.

Snow and ice are inevitable in the winter. Cold temperatures and freezing precipitation can do plenty of damage to your roof. If you aren’t prepared, you may have expensive repairs – or even replacement – to contend with.

What Are Ice Dams and Why are They So Bad?

Many homeowners don’t know what ice dams are, and it can be hard to prevent a problem you don’t understand. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining from the roof. The melted snow forms pools of water on the roof that are backed up behind the ridge of ice. These pools of water sitting on the roof can leak into your home and cause damage to the roof, interior walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Water damage is often very difficult to remedy if it gets too bad, and damage to your roof can require a home roof replacement.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams develop when the warm air from your attic causes the snow and ice on your roof to melt. The melted ice will run down your roof and refreeze along your gutters. Every time this happens, the ice dam will grow, and when the ice dam gets large, it will start to cause damage.

What Can You Do to Avoid Major Damage?

When an ice dam gets too large, the weight can cause structural damage to your roof. Temperature fluctuations that cause thawing and refreezing can lead to leaks and water damage. There are things you can do to help.

Make Sure Your Gutters are Clean

If your gutters are clogged, your roof is more prone to ice dams. Clean gutters allow the melting snow and ice to wash away from your roof before they have a chance to freeze and cause damage. Take the time in the fall, or even in the early winter, to make sure your gutters are clear. Most of the time you’ll be able to do this yourself, but if you have high peaks or a challenging roof line, it’s well worth calling a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

Check Your Attic

If your attic is well insulated and well ventilated, ice dams can be prevented. If you see any gaps when you inspect your attic, add more installation. Check around pipes and vents, and if there are any gaps or holes, fill them with insulation foam or caulk. If you notice any more damage to vents, it’s worth calling a professional.

Ignoring the threat of ice dams can force you into a home roof replacement before you are ready. Ice dams can be a very expensive problem if you let them get out of hand. There are ways to prevent the problem from becoming serious, but if you think that you might have a problem, it’s best to consult a professional early in the process. If you’re in need of a new roof, contact our installation experts at Armorvue Home Exteriors. We’ve been offering high quality products and stellar service for decades. We’d love to talk with you about a new roof for your home. Let’s set up a virtual appointment today.