Is your home prepared to combat ice damming?

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

As the temperature starts to drop and rain turns to snow and sleet, ice dams become a larger threat to property. When snow and sleet on the roof of a house go through quick bouts of melting and refreezing it can create a wall of ice, this ice wall then acts as a dam when more snow and sleet begin to melt. These dams can last for weeks or even months unless dealt with. As water pools along dams, it can begin to work its way under the shingles. When the water that has worked its way in freezes, the gaps created by the ice allow even more water to work its way into the property, causing all sorts of water damage!

There are few preventative measures that can be taken to combat ice damming. One method is to run heating cables in your attic that go along the sections of the roof that have the most trouble with dams forming!

When ice dams are forming on your property, it can indicate that the insulation in your home is failing. You can check the attic beneath problem areas on the roof for any inconsistencies. Retaining heat in the attic is the natural way to combat ice damming and can even keep your home a bit warmer during the cold winter months.

Stay safe this winter season, and if you intend on directly dealing with any problems you or your family are facing be sure to be careful. Many instances of people getting hurt while they are attempting to help themselves or their family is due to negligence.