Ice dams, those icy ridges and icicles on the roof edges, might look nice, but they’re trouble for your home. Ice dams form when heat sneaks out of your attic, if your insulation isn’t doing its job, ventilation is lacking, and the weather is inconsistent. They can cause severe damage to your home, but here’s the thing – not every ice dam guarantees trouble. As a homeowner, it’s important to know why they form and what harm they can cause so you can take steps to prevent ice dam damage.
What Are The Causes of Ice Dams?
Ice dams might not always cause severe damage, but they can lead to various problems if left untreated. Here are some of their causes to keep in mind so you can prevent ice dam damage:
1. Heat Loss Through the Attic
- Ice dams often result from uneven temperatures on the roof. When a house loses heat and outside temperatures are at or below freezing, it sets the stage for ice dam formation.
- The actual creation of an ice dam occurs when warm air in the attic escapes through vents or holes in the roof. This warmth causes snow on the roof surface to melt, which then flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes into ice dams.
2. Inadequate Insulation and Ventilation
- Poor attic insulation, ventilation, heavy snowfall, or abrupt thaw temperatures contribute to ice dam formation. This combination results in a roof surface above freezing while the air temperature is below freezing, leading to the melting and refreezing of snow into ice dams.
- Ice dams can be caused by insufficient attic ventilation. Even without visible icicles, these dams can still form, emphasizing the role of proper attic ventilation in prevention.
3. Weather Conditions
- Common in northern climates, ice dams can occur when accumulated snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight due to dropping temperatures.
- Ice dams can happen whenever daytime temperatures rise above freezing and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing. Melting occurs on warmer days, regardless of insulation or attic temperature, and refreezing overnight leads to the formation of ice dams.
As explained above, ice dams stem from a mix of factors: heat loss through the attic, inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, and specific weather conditions. To prevent ice dams, it’s crucial to ensure uniform roof surface temperatures through sufficient attic ventilation and insulation.
What Does Ice Dam Damage Look Like?
As a homeowner, you might be thinking, how do you know if you have ice dam damage? To help you out, we’ve listed some signs below.
#1. Roof Damage:
Ice dams can cause significant damage to the roof. They can lift shingles, dent flashing, and cause leaks and material deterioration. If you don’t address ice dams, they can seriously damage the roof and shingles.
#2. Attic Condensation:
Warm from inside can sneak into the attic, causing dampness and potential damage to the attic insulation. This happens when the cozy air from your home finds its way into the attic and meets the cool underneath of the roof, which causes condensation. It’s a problem that needs fixing to avoid costly repairs.
#3. Water Stains on the Walls:
Water leaking from ice dams can cause ugly stains on your walls. These stains usually happen when there’s a leak that allows water into the home. If ice dams have lifted or damaged your shingles, you might see these stains.
#4. Ceiling Water Damage:
Ice dams can let water seep through the roof, causing damage to the ceilings. Water can sneak under shingles damaged by ice dams and leak into the attic, leaving stains on the ceilings and inside walls.
#5. Mold or Rot in the Attic:
Water damage caused by ice dams can create the perfect environment for mold growth. If you leave it be, mold can damage the insulation and cause structural issues within the attic. Along with mold growth, too much moisture in the attic can cause the framing of the home to rot.
#6. Sagging Drywall:
Water damage from ice dams can make the drywall start to sag. Ice dams can let water seep in, causing damage to the drywall that needs to be repaired for the sake of the building structure.
#7. Exterior Damage:
Ice dams can wreck the gutters and paint on the outside of your home. The added weight from the ice dams can cause the gutters to pull away from the eaves, leading to further water damage. Plus, water dripping down the home can cause the paint to peel and fade, reducing the curb appeal of your property.
To avoid these problems, make sure your home has good insulation, ventilation, and heating. Regular inspections by professionals can also catch problems early, saving you from expensive repairs.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Roof Ice Dams
How To Prevent Ice Dam Damage
To steer clear of ice dams causing trouble on your roof, you can take some steps. Here’s how:
#1. Insulation and Air Sealing:
Make sure your home has good insulation in the ceiling and attic. This keeps the warmth inside and stops it from escaping to the roof, preventing ice dam issues. Air sealing also helps by stopping heated air from reaching the underside of the roof.
#2. Proper Ventilation:
Keep your roof well-ventilated. Proper ventilation helps to maintain the roof’s temperature at or below freezing, lowering the chances of ice dam formation and icicles becoming a problem.
#3. Ice and Water Shield Installation:
Invest in ice and water shields, which are an extra layer of protection against leaks caused by ice dams. They work wonders, especially in low-slope areas and valleys.
#4. Snow Removal:
Regularly remove snow with a roof rake. It’s a simple but effective way to stop ice dams from forming. Clearing snow from clogged gutters and exhaust vents is also vital for prevention.
#5. Regular Maintenance:
Stay on top of regular maintenance and have professionals inspect your roof regularly. This way you can catch potential issues early on and avoid costly repairs.
How To Remove Existing Ice Dams
When you have ice dams, you can deal with them in these ways:
#1. Install Electric Heating Cables
- These cables help melt ice dams, letting snowmelt drain off the roof and stops water from getting into your home.
- Remember, these cables aren’t a complete solution. You need to address other issues like insulation and ventilation to properly prevent ice dams.
#2. Manual Removal
- Be careful when removing ice dams by hand. Don’t pull or push directly, as it can damage your roof and gutters.
- Using hot water can work to melt small ice dams, but for bigger ones, it’s better to get professional help to avoid damage.
#3. Professional Ice Dam Removal Services
- For large or stubborn ice dams, professionals can use techniques like steam removal.
- When hiring pros, make sure they’re licensed and insured to avoid liability for damage or accidents during removal.
Conclusion
Although ice dams have the potential for significant damage, there are ways to prevent and deal with them effectively. Homeowners should stay informed about the causes and effects of ice dams and take proactive steps to manage them. Seeking professional help from All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters for prevention and removal is advisable to ensure the safety and integrity of your home.
Want To Protect Your Home From Ice Dam Damage? We’ve Got You Covered!
For optimal results, seeking professional services is a wise choice. If your home has ice dam damage and you need assistance, reach out to All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters! Give us a call at (937) 249-1416 for top-notch ice dam damage repair services.
