Well to
know how to prevent ice dams we must first understand what an
ice dam is. An ice dam is a buildup of ice and water caused
by snow on rooftops. The Ice dam develops when the snow melts
in the middle of the roof and refreezes at the edge. The Ice
then acts as a dam that prevents the water from flowing off
the roof. Most people believe that Ice dams are caused by clogged
gutters, low pitched roofs, or dark shingles that absorb to
much heat. While these items can assist in a dam they are not
the primary cause.
The primary cause of an ice dam is when heat reaches the roof
through the attic space it heats up the snow and causes it to
melt, the water then runs until it finds a cold spot (usually
the bottom edge of the roof) where there is no heat and it refreezes
until it creates a dam. Then the water backs up and enters your
home. This can cause excessive damage to the interior and exterior
of your home. You could end up with not only the typical drywall
and insulation damage but damage to your gutters, shingles,
exterior walls and worst of all MOLD or MILDEW growth in the
attic and wall space. Now
the simple answer to prevent ice dams is to keep your roof
all one temperature. To accomplish this you need to do a couple
things. One you need to have proper ventilation there is a
formula that any qualified Roofing or Insulation Company should
know and use when they install a new roof, soffit, or insulate
your home. Second all air flow from the living area to the
attic must be sealed off. To accomplish this you need plenty
of attic insulation. Then you need to seal any cracks around
attic access doors, light fixtures, and vents that go to the
attic. Do not seal your roof vents and never vent directly
to the attic always vent to the outside.
Prevention
is always the best solution. But if you still end up with
an ice dam this winter let me add this WARNING: it
is extremely hazardous to work on or below a roof with an
ice dam contact professionals.
The worst solution is to try and use tools such as shovels,
hammers, ice picks, to remove the snow and ice. Some of the
ice can be removed but there are techniques and proper equipment
for this to be done but it should be accomplished by a Pro.
as damage to the gutters ,shingles, and yourself could be
done. Once you have had an ice dam fix the cause not the damage
as the damage will be re-damaged if the problem still exists.
Most roofing companies can assist you, there are such items
as Ice & Water barrier that I highly recommend. There
are items like heat cable which I do not recommend. But contact
your Roofer in fact contact several then go with the best.
Jim Trietsch
New Image Construction |
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