Winter can transform our homes into picturesque havens covered in snow blankets, but there is the risk of ice dams beneath the beauty. These icy barriers form along the edge of roofs and can wreak havoc on your home if not addressed promptly.
Getting an insect expert’s opinion can be helpful regarding ice dam prevention on a roof and what to do. They have firsthand experience with the costly damage ice dams can cause to roofs, walls, insulation, and ceilings. Fortunately, with proactive care, ice dams are preventable.
What Are Ice Dams and Why Are They a Problem?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the roof’s edge, typically near the eaves. It happens when warm air escapes into the attic, melting the snow on the roof. As the melted snow trims down, it freezes again at the roof’s colder edges, creating a dam.
This ice dam prevents further melting snow from draining properly, and if it doesn’t also freeze, all the trapped water can seep under the shingles and into the home, leading to:
- Roof Leaks
- Water-stained ceilings and walls
- Mold and mildew growth
- Insulation damage
Understanding what causes ice dams on your roof makes it easier to implement ice dam prevention to protect your home.
1. Keep Your Attic Cold
One primary reason that ice dams form is that heat rises and escapes into the attic. To minimize this, keep your attic as close to the outdoor temperature as possible.
Seal Air Leaks: Gaps around chimneys, vents, light fixtures, and attic hatches allow warm air to escape into the attic. Using a spray foam or caulk can seal the leaks.
Improve Insulation: Ensure your attic floor is well-insulated to prevent heat transfer from the living space below. A home inspector or insulation professional can evaluate whether your insulation meets recommended R-values for your region.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Adequate ventilation helps maintain a consistent lattice temperature. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents are some ways to promote airflow and keep the attic cool.
2. Remove Snow Safely
Removing snow from your roof reduces the chances of melting and refreezing. However, doing this step safely is crucial to avoid damaging your roof or harming yourself.
Use a Roof Rake: A long-handled roof rake can help you remove snow from the roof while standing safely on the ground. Opt for a rake with a plastic blade to avoid scraping shingles.
Avoid Shoveling: Climbing onto your roof to shovel snow is dangerous and can damage shingles. If heavy snow accumulation is a concern, hire a professional roof snow removal service.
3. Install Ice and Water Shields
If planning to replace the roof or upgrade its protection, consider installing ice and a water shield. These waterproof membranes are placed beneath shingles along the edges of your roof, valley, and other vulnerable areas and act as an extra barrier, preventing water from seeping into the home even if ice dams form.
Deciding whether to install shields fully can be challenging when dealing with the detailed work required for ice dam prevention. However, securing a professional inspection ensures that professionals perform the right job in the right areas. Conducting a simple search for “home inspection in Sherman, TX” will help you find the best professional assistance in the area.
4. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can contribute to ice dam formation by preventing proper drainage of the melting snow. Before winter arrives and the heavy snow sets in, clear out leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Consider installing gutter guards to help prevent debris buildup for ice dam prevention and assist with year-round clog prevention.
5. Use Heat Cables
Heat cables, or roof de-icing cables, are an effective way to prevent ice dams. These electric cables are installed alongside the roof’s edge or in the gutter, heating the area to prevent ice buildup.
Professional Installation: For safety and effectiveness, hiring a professional to install the cables will ensure that the cables are working properly and that there are no safety hazards that could go wrong by doing it yourself and not by the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Energy Efficiency: A programmable timer or thermostat can help run the cables only when necessary and minimize energy consumption.
6. Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Routine roof inspections can help identify potential problems before the winter season starts and escalates into more severe issues. Look out for:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Loose flashing, metal pieces around the base of chimneys and vents
- Signs of water damage or leaks
If you are uncomfortable inspecting your roof, hire a professional home inspector or roofer to do the job. Regular maintenance can save costly repairs in the future.
7. Plan for Long-Term Solutions
If the ice dam prevention methods are not working or they become a recurring issue, it may be time to consider more permanent solutions:
- Upgrade Roof Insulation: Enhance insulation in problem areas with significant heat loss.
- Install a Cold Roof System: A cold roof is designed with a ventilated air gap between the roof deck and the insulation, keeping the roof surface cold to prevent snowmelt.
- Re-evaluate Roofing Materials: Metal roofs, for example, allow snow to slide off easily, reducing the risk of ice dams.
What to Do If You Already Have Ice Dams
If an ice dam has already formed at this point, the ice dam prevention methods mentioned will not work, so it is important to act quickly to minimize damage:
- Clear the Snow: Use a roof rake to remove snow from the roof, exposing the ice dam.
- Melt the Ice: Place calcium chloride ice melts in a nylon stocking or sock and lay it across the dam. Avoid using rock salt, as it can damage shingles and vegetation below.
- Call a Professional: If the ice dam persists or has caused damage, hire a roofing contractor or ice dam removal service to address the issue safely.
Ice dams may be a common winter problem, but they’re not inevitable. You can protect your home from the costly consequences of ice dams by keeping your attic cold, removing snow safely, maintaining your roof, and investing in preventive measures.
Need help with evaluating your home for the winter season? Contact Kissee Inspection Services, a professional home inspection service skilled in thermal imaging inspection for the winter season! Our comprehensive assessments of residential properties provide recommendations for upkeep or improvements and expert advice and guidance for homeowners to protect their homes from the effects of winter on the house.
