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Ice dams form for a reason. The warm air escapes from inside of the home, the snow melts on the roof, and the water refreezes at the edges. Meanwhile, over years, ice foot tumulus ice has rimmed drainage and corralled water in. That water is then forced underneath shingles and into the house. That is exactly why ice dam prevention is key − much more than if we could clean it or repair it.
Preventing ice dams early saves your roof and interior.
The Cause of Dangerous Ice Dam
Ice dams do not only lie upon the roof. They lead to rapidly propagating pressure and moisture problems.
Common damage includes:
- Ceiling stains and leaks
- Wet attic insulation
- Mold growth
- Peeling paint
- Rotting wood near roof edges
Minimizing these risks with effective ice dam prevention is key to winter damage control.
Start from Inside the Home
Ice dams start from the inside, not the outside. The heat rises to the attic and causes the roof to warm unevenly. Snow melts where it shouldn’t.
Key indoor steps include:
- Air leak mitigation, such as caulking around lights and vents
- Adding attic insulation
- Keeping attic temperatures stable
Ice dam prevention is enhanced by these modifications since they decrease the amount of melting snow to begin with.
Improve Airflow on the Roof
Letting the roof get cold and uniform due to good ventilation. Balanced airflow keeps snow frozen and evenly melts it.
Adequate ventilation is a part of ice dam prevention via:
- Minimizing hot spots on the roof
- Allowing moist air to escape
- Preventing condensation in the attic
This maintains consistency of roof temperatures as the roof goes through freeze-thaw cycles.
Deal with Snow Before It Turns Into Ice
Long-staying snow ends up with ice. Clearing off excess snow minimizes buildup and helps prevent drainage channels from blocking.
Safe snow management includes:
- Get to work on those roofs with roof rakes (from the ground)
- Clearing heavy layers after storms
- Keeping gutters free of debris
Keeping the snow consistently in check is what can be considered a realistic aspect of ice dam prevention.
Using Heat Cables as a Backup
If there are problem areas, heat cables will also assist. They do warm roof edges and gutters and downspouts just enough to keep the water flowing.
Heat cables should not be seen as a substitute for insulation, but help on the process of ice dam prevention by minimizing re-freezing at key areas.
Don’t Ignore Early Warning Signs
The presence of long icicles or frozen gutters or repeat leaks are all warning signs too. These are signs you have some ice damming occurring or about to occur.
With the help of early intervention, ice dam prevention is fortified and expensive solutions are curtailed.
Commercial Buildings Need Extra Attention
Large roofs and flat designs tend to hold ice for longer. It melts water with a slow-draining process and spreads ice further away.
Preventing ice dam on commercial property involves regular inspections and maintenance.
Prevention Saves Time and Money
It costs a lot less to prevent winter roof damage than to repair it. Ice dam control helps prevent leaks, protects insulation, and keeps your roof less stressed.
Final Thought
Winter ice dam is not a season thing anyway. Take the right steps to ensure ice dam prevention keeps your roof dry, your home safe and your repair list free of winter damage!
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