Preventing Ice Dams On Your Home

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water then collects behind the dam and gradually works its way beneath roof shingles through a cycle of freezing and thawing.

Many homes in the northern US know what an ice dam is and the damages that they can do to the home. What is an ice dam? According to Bob Vila it is "These are thick accumulations of ice that form over the eaves of a house. Water then collects behind the dam and gradually works its way beneath roof shingles through a cycle of freezing and thawing."

When heat escapes the home and heats up the roof, it causes the snow to melt. That melting snow flows down the slope of the roof to refreeze on the unheated portions of the roof, like the eves and overhangs. As this cycle continues, the ice builds up on the edges of your home and traps water underneath. It is this water that can then leak into your home.

Bob Vila's website goes on to state: "Ice dams are preventable. If new roofing is being added at your home, make sure that proper precautions are being taken." 

Make sure the ventilation in your eaves, the peak and overhangs is adequate. "An air space above the insulation in the ceiling or attic then allows cold air to move freely, keeping the roof cold and preventing the snow cover from melting. When a roof is being constructed, inexpensive Styrofoam baffles may be installed to ensure that there is a passageway for cold air from the eaves to the peak."

Make sure your attic is properly insulated and sealed to prevent moisture from getting into the living areas of your home.

When putting on a new roof, make sure the snow and ice shield is installed properly on the subroof. This helps prevent moisture from finding its way into the home. This product forms a barrier for your roof to prevent against the water.

But then there are times that the damage does occur. When it does, have your roof cleared, and then call (978) 475-1199 SERVPRO^® of The Andovers to inspect your home and make it "Like it never even happened."