Prevent Ice Dam Damage
By Rick Cline | January 26, 2018
Indoor heat rises through the ceiling of your house into the attic and warms the surface of the roof. Snow on the heated part of the roof melts and flows down until it reaches that part of the roof that is below 32 degrees. Water freezes into an ice dam.
Large icicles along roof lines may look festive during the holidays, but they are actually ice ridges that prevent proper drainage from your roof. These ice dams can cause serious harm to your roof and home during freezing weather.
What damage can be caused by an ice dam?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the most common preventable cause of loss facing homeowners today. Ice dams can lead to the following types of damage:
- Roof leaks – Water backed up behind the ice dam can work its way under shingles and into your home.
- Interior water damage – Leaks can damage ceilings, walls, floors, and personal belongings.
- Structural roof rot – Prolonged moisture exposure can rot roof decking and framing.
- Water intrusion – Water can seep into wall cavities causing hidden damage.
- Saturated insulation – Wet insulation loses its effectiveness and can promote mold growth.
- Gutter damage – The weight of ice can pull gutters away from the house.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
So how do you prevent an ice dam before a winter storm hits? Here are some prevention strategies:
- Clean gutters before winter – Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris so water can drain properly.
- Keep your attic space cold – A well-ventilated attic stays cold and reduces the chance of snow melting on the roof.
- Seal exhaust ducts – Make sure ducts from bathrooms, kitchens, and dryers vent to the outside and are properly sealed.
- Professionally insulate and vent your attic – Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping through the roof.
- Install snow shields or ice melting systems – These can help prevent ice from building up along the roof edge.
- Consider gutter heat tape – Heat tape installed along gutters and roof edges can melt ice before it forms a dam.
If ice dams have already formed, do not try to remove them yourself. Contact a professional roofer who can safely remove snow and ice from your roof.
For more information about protecting your home and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, call All Access Insurance today for a free quote at (303) 932-1700.