Of all the risks that winter can bring to your roof, the most worrisome is the possibility of ice dams. Ice dams can occur rapidly and without the building owner noticing and cause significant damage to your roof, shingles, and gutter system. While most likely to occur as a result of excessive snow accumulation, ice dams are also a possibility during less milder winters depending on the right conditions. By arming yourself with the knowledge of what causes ice dams and taking preventative steps to avoid them, you’ll protect your roof from developing issues this winter.
What Are Ice Dams and How Are They Different From Icicles?
Ice dams form when snow melts on the top of a roof and runs down only to then freeze when it reaches a low temperature of the eaves, creating these solid barriers. This can be caused by a day of direct sunlight, when the temperature hovers just above freezing, or when excessive heat escapes through a roof. As the name suggests, an ice dam act like a literal dam that blocks any water from going past it. As snow continues to melt, due to thawing or heat escaping from the roof, water rolls down and pools behind the ice dam.
While particularly bad icicles can be a sign of ice dams on that portion of your roof, icicles represent runoff from the roof and don’t block water from escaping. They are caused by the same thawing and refreezing process that causes ice dams. While icicles can cause damage to your gutters, in general they are not as troublesome as ice dams.
How Do Ice Dams Cause Damage to Roofs?
Ice dams can be damaging in a few ways. The biggest threat from ice dams is when the water leaks through small cracks on your roof. Ice dams can also lift shingles up, causing water to run underneath and leak inside. Large ice dams that remain over time can weigh down the affected portion of your gutter system and cause it to break away or leak. In particularly bad cases, your building’s structural integrity can be compromised.
What Can I Do to Prevent Ice Dams?
Clear your gutters out regularly at least twice a season. If significant snowfall occurs and begins to accumulate on your roof, you may want to invest in an extended handle roof rake to remove the excess snow. Ensure that your attic or ceiling space is properly insulated to keep heat from escaping. If you discover ice damming on your roof, contact a professional for advice on how to proceed. If your roof has suffered damage or loss of integrity due to ice dams, it’s crucial to have it repaired right away to minimize structural damage. The longer that ice dams remain in place, the worse the potential damage can be.
The professional roofing team at North Shore Roofing is dedicated to assisting home and business owners with maintaining their roofs in the best condition possible. If your roof needs repairs due to ice dams or other issues, contact us today at 978-977-3816. You can find more helpful tips to ensure the longevity of your roof by visiting our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Northshoreroofingma/.
