Ice dams are one of the worst problems that can happen to a home when it’s cold outside. When the cold weather of winter sets in, the roof is the first line of protection for a house. When temperatures change, water can sometimes melt and then freeze again. This can cause water leaks and frozen obstructions that can damage insulation, wood decking, roof shingles, and gutters. In our blog, Magee Companies, a roofing contractor in West Hartford, talks about why you should try to stop ice dams from forming on your home and what you can do to do so.
How Do Ice Dams Work?
When snow on a roof dissolves into water, the water rushes to the edge of the roof where it is refrozen along the eaves, forming an ice dam. Some of the most common reasons why snow melts off the roof are not enough insulation and not enough airflow in the attic. Snowmelt might freeze as it runs toward the eaves since this location is frequently cooler.
Ice accumulation, aka ice dams, typically results from clogged gutters. The remaining water could turn to ice if it can’t drain properly because of things like leaves or dirt that have built up in the gutters.
Homeowners can stop ice dams from forming by taking care of their roofs regularly, like cleaning out the gutters and raking the snow off the roof. However, ice dams will keep forming as long as the problem isn’t fixed. For larger attics, take into account ventilation-enhancing equipment.
Why Preventing Ice Dams Is Important
Blockages prevent any residual water from draining away as they develop. There is nowhere else for this water to go, so it will ultimately find its way inside. The water may enter between the roof shingles as the ice formation stops snowmelt from draining off the roof; any loose or broken shingles will allow the water to flow, which might harm the components below unless the property has a leak barrier.
These (sometimes large) ice chunks pose a safety risk in addition to the structural damage they inflict on the roof. If the big icicles are under a path where people walk, they could fall off at any time and cause a lot of trouble. It is best to hire West Hartford roofing professionals to do the job because removing a large block of ice by hand is not easy or safe.
The Only Roofing Contractor In West Hartford You Need To Call
If ice dams form in your house, you should take immediate action to remove them. But if you get rid of them without taking care of the underlying issue, new dams may just as readily come back. Our roof and gutter experts will examine your property at no cost to make sure it is winter ready. Call (860) 953-2200 today to get on our schedule!