What is an Ice Dam?
What is an Ice Dam? It’s a ridge of ice that forms at a roof’s edge, stopping snowmelt from draining. This dam occurs when snow and ice freeze into a solid block in the gutter. Heat escaping the house melts snow and ice above the dam. The melted water cannot flow off the roof due to the ice dam. As a result, water backs up under shingles and leaks into the house, damaging ceilings, walls, and floors.
What Causes Ice Dams to Form?
Ice dams form due to several factors that impact roof temperature and drainage. Poor attic insulation allows heat to escape, warming the roof unevenly and causing snow to melt and refreeze. Inadequate ventilation in the attic further traps warm air, preventing proper cooling of the roof. Heavy snow accumulation can retain moisture, which melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge. Fluctuating temperatures, with daytime thawing and nighttime freezing, encourage ice buildup. Certain roof designs, like valleys, overhangs, or uneven slopes, create areas where water and ice can collect. Finally, clogged gutters block proper drainage, leading to water backup that freezes along the roofline.
How to Safely Clear my Roof
The first solution, if possible, is to get the snow off the roof. This is dangerous, and it is not recommended that homeowners get on the roof to remove snow. Secondly, the ice dam must be removed. Do not chop away at the ice. Ice melt products, like what is used on sidewalks or driveways, can be put into a woman’s stocking or a spare sock. The stocking can then be put on top of the roof to slowly and safely melt away the ice.
How can ice dams be prevented?
There are three steps to help prevent ice dams. First, install ice and water shield at the edge of the roof during new roof installation. The material must extend past the exterior wall of the house at least 24”. The ice and snow product is a waterproofing material that seals permanently to the roof deck. When the nails are driven through the ice and water shield the nails are then sealed by the material to prevent water from coming through the nail holes.
Secondly, adequate insulation is a must. Lack of proper insulation causes heat loss. Heat rises and causes the snow to melt. The snow melts and because there is an ice dam at the gutter area that water backs up and into the house.
Thirdly, proper attic ventilation proves to be important. Without the right ventilation, the warm, moist air that escapes from the living areas below can heat the attic. Thus causing the snow to melt and back up under the shingles. Good attic ventilation will keep the air moving and minimize the snow melting on the roof.
The bottom line when it comes to Ice Dams.
Having a good roof installed with ice and snow shield at the eaves, proper ventilation and proper insulation go a long way in preventing ice dams. Quick removal of snow is always a plus but also very difficult to do.
To make sure your home is prepared for the cold, winter months, contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today!
