Ice dams are a common problem in the winter months, causing damage to roofs and other structures. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent ice dam damage.
What Are Ice Dams?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof, typically in cold climates where snow accumulates. As the warm air from inside your home rises and melts the snow on your roof, the melted water runs down the roof, refreezes at the edge, and forms a dam. This dam can cause water to back up under your shingles and into your home, resulting in costly damage.
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How to Prevent Ice Dams
The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. Inadequate insulation and ventilation can cause the warm air from your home to rise into your attic and melt the snow on your roof. This is known as the “stack effect”.
Take some tools and supplies to handle en ice dam:
- Shovel
- Bucket
- Towels
- Dehumidifier
- Fans
- Wet-dry vacuum
- Protective gloves and eyewear
- Ladder
- Wood chisel
- Hammer
- Putty knife
- Ice melt or rock salt
- Caulk
- Plywood
- Plastic sheeting
- Cement
- Insulation
- Tarp
- Sealant
- Waterproof sealant
Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent ice dam damage:
1. Check Your Insulation
Make sure your attic is properly insulated, including the attic floor and ceilings. You should also check for air leaks that can allow warm air from your home to escape into the attic.
2. Add Ventilation
If your attic is not properly ventilated, it can cause the warm air to build up and melt the snow on your roof. Consider installing additional ventilation in your attic to help reduce the risk of ice dams.
3. Install Heat Cables
Heat cables, also known as “heat tapes”, are a great way to help prevent ice dams. They are installed along the edge of the roof and provide a source of heat to help melt the snow and prevent it from forming a dam.
4. Remove Snow From Your Roof
If you have a lot of snow on your roof, it can be a good idea to remove it to help reduce the risk of ice dams. This can be done manually or with a roof rake.
5. Install Gutter Guards
Installing gutter guards can help prevent ice dams by preventing snow and ice from building up in your gutters.
Ice dams can cause costly damage to your home. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent ice dam damage, such as improving insulation and ventilation, installing heat cables, removing snow from your roof, and installing gutter guards. Taking these steps can help ensure that your home is protected from the costly damage caused by ice dams.
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Ian hurricane – Water damage – Roof damage – Wind damage – Storm damage – Fire damage – Denials – And more… ask us!