If you’re like most homeowners, out of sight is out of mind when it comes to potential problems with your home. This is especially true of out-of-the-way places like your dark and stuffy attic.
But if you live in a snowy climate, this mindset might leave your home vulnerable to a worrisome phenomenon: the ice dam.
Ice dams are a common issue during cold winters, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less problematic for your home. In fact, ignoring ice dams on a roof can pave the way for surprisingly serious property damage. Before you push this issue from your mind, here are a few crucial things you should know about this icy phenomenon.
What Causes Ice Damming on a Roof?
Ice dams happen when there’s a significant temperature difference between different parts of your roof. Sometimes, this happens when heat escapes from ducts, vents, and other parts of your attic.
This temperature difference can lead to water runoff—usually after heavy snow—that freezes once it reaches the low end of your roof. This frozen water keeps further runoff from flowing over the side of our roof, meaning that water continues to accumulate and damage your home. The water can also cause icicles to form, which can be a major health hazard if left unchecked.
Property Issues Associated With Ice Dams
If unaddressed, ice dams can be problematic or even dangerous. Here are a few ways they can affect your home:
- Shingle damage: pooling water can damage your roof shingles, making your roof less effective
- Water rot: water that sits for a long period of time can compromise the structural integrity of your roofing materials
- Interior damage: with enough time, pooling water can seep into your home itself, causing water damage on your ceilings, walls, and even flooring
- Gutter damage: accumulated water can weigh down and damage your gutter system
- Mold and mildew: the added moisture can attract mold and mildew, both of which can be serious health hazards
Essentially, the longer you leave this damage unattended, the more problems it can cause for your home in the long term.
The Best Way to Deal With Ice Dams on a Roof
Many homeowners are tempted to deal with their own ice dam through DIY fixes. Putting a box fan in your attic or using a roof rake on your roof are common solutions.
However, the best way to deal with an ice dam is to address the temperature consistency. To do this, you’ll need to reach out to a team of roofing professionals like the team here: saltlakeroofing.com/park-city-roofing-company/.
These experts can help by sealing ducts, ensuring proper ventilation, adding insulation, and other tactics. They can also check for and repair any structural damage to your roof, ensuring that you and your household remain safe from future problems.
Don’t Ignore Your Ice Dam
At the end of the day, putting off fixing ice dams on a roof can lead to major headaches down the line. Instead of ignoring the issue, reach out to professionals for help getting rid of any current ice dams and preventing future ones. With a roof system that’s optimized for cold weather, you can enjoy snowy days without worrying about water buildup lurking overhead.
Looking for more critical tips to help you make the most of your home? Check out our other posts for additional insights!