How To Prevent Damage From Ice Dams

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

Use a rake to manually remove excess snow.

Ice Dam Damage: How To Avoid It

During cold seasons in Springdale, OH, outside temperatures often dip below the freezing point. When this happens, various parts of your home's exterior are susceptible to ice. One of the most damaging formations is an ice dam, which is the buildup of frozen precipitation at the edge of the roof that prevents proper drainage. There are several things you can do to alleviate this problem.

Dealing With an Existing Dam
One of the tricky aspects of preventing dams is that you likely don't know they'll be a problem until they occur. Once the first winter storm of the season hits, though, ice on your roof can quickly become an issue. There are several temporary solutions you can try to avoid damage to your home:

• Use a roof rake to manually remove excess snow.
  
• Create channels through the ice buildup with warm water to allow for flow.
  
• Watch the attic closely for signs of water damage.
  
  

If the first indication you have of the excess ice on your roof is a leak in your attic, you will need water restoration specialists to mitigate the damage and repair the structure. The more quickly the technicians can get to the problem, the less damage you are likely to have in the long run.

Preventing Future Ice Dam Problems
While your homeowner's policy likely includes ice dam coverage, the best solution for this pesky problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Since they form when higher spots on the roof are warmer than the lower areas, the best place to start is by maintaining a consistent surface temperature on your roof. You can do this by ensuring that the attic is well-insulated and air-tight, allowing no warm air to escape upward. Consult an energy professional to test for air leaks when you have your roof inspected.
An ice dam can cause a lot of damage to your home. Prevention begins with good ventilation and insulation so that hot air does not become a problem.