Winter can be a beautiful time of year with snowflakes dancing around and creating a winter wonderland. However, with that beauty comes danger, especially when it comes to ice damming. Ice damming is when ice forms on your roof, blocking water from flowing off the roof properly. Instead, the water pools behind the ice, eventually making its way through your roof and causing structural damage to your home. In this blog post, we will explore what ice damming is, how it happens, and most importantly, how to keep your home safe from the damage that it can cause.
What is Ice Damming?
Ice damming is a phenomenon that occurs when snow and ice accumulate on your roof, melting and refreezing. When temperatures rise during the day, the snow and ice on your roof melt and flow down towards the edge of the roof, where it is cooler. Here, the water refreezes, forming a dam that grows larger over time. As water continues to melt, it pools behind the dam, and if it is not properly channeled off the roof, it can cause significant damage to your home.
How Does Ice Damming Happen?
Ice damming occurs when specific conditions are present. Firstly, the temperature needs to be below freezing, and there needs to be snow and ice on the roof. This can happen when there is a big cold front, and temperatures drop dramatically. The combination of low temperatures and snow creates the perfect conditions for ice damming to occur. Secondly, the presence of heat sources in the home can contribute to ice damming. When heat escapes, it melts the snow, which eventually refreezes and contributes to the formation of ice dams.
How to Keep Your Home Safe?
The best way to take care of ice damming is to prevent it from happening in the first place. It's important to take preventive measures before a big cold front hits. Firstly, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This will ensure that heat does not escape, contributing to ice damming. Secondly, ensure that your roof is maintained regularly. Clean gutters, remove any debris or leaves that may accumulate, and trim any overhanging tree limbs that may damage your roof. Finally, consider replacing your old, damaged roof with a new one that is durable and can withstand harsh winters.
What to Do if You See Ice Damming?
If you notice ice dams forming, don't panic, but act fast. You can take a few steps to prevent further damage. Firstly, use a roof rake or broom to clear snow from the edges of the roof to prevent the formation of ice dams. Secondly, use calcium chloride or another ice melt to create channels in the ice dam so that water can flow off the roof. Thirdly, consult professionals if the ice dams are too big or you notice water damage inside your home.
Ice damming can be a problem during winter, but by taking preventive measures and acting fast, you can keep your home safe from damage. Ensuring that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, maintaining your roof regularly, and replacing old, damaged roofs with new ones are some steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. If you do notice ice dams forming, take action immediately to prevent further damage. With these measures, you can enjoy the beauty of winter without having to worry about the damage that comes with ice damming.
