This can be one dam costly problem.
When winter comes, we all know to watch out for ice on roads and sidewalks. But there’s another spot where ice forms, and it also deserves your attention: your roof.
After snowfall, ice dams can cause major damage to your roof shingles and structure. Repairs can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. The trouble is, many people have never even heard of an ice dam until they’re dealing with the problem.
The good news is that ice dams are preventable if you know the telltale signs. In the article we’ll explain what ice dams are, how to recognize them, and how you can stop them before they become a big problem.
What’s an ice dam?
Ice dams form because a portion of your attic is improperly air sealed and insulated. Heat from your home rises into the attic, melting the snow on the roof line too quickly. This snow re-freezes in an ice sheet at the bottom of your roof and expands underneath the shingles, causing them to break.
What are the signs?
Once it’s snowed, you actually want the snow to melt evenly and slowly because of the sun, not because of heat escaping from your roof. If you notice that the snow on some portions of your roof has melted faster than other areas, you should be concerned.
Large icicles at the bottom of your roof line are another telltale sign of ice dams. Little icicles are OK and normal. We’re talking about big ones that would only form if there was a lot of water running off your roof from rapid snowmelt.
What to do
With proper air sealing and insulation in the attic, we can prevent ice dams by helping the heat leave your home more slowly and evenly. But preventing ice dams isn’t the only benefit of air sealing and insulation. This work can make your whole house more comfortable and efficient in both summer and winter.
Stop the dam problem with Sealed
Have you noticed some signs of ice dams? Or do you just want to learn more about air sealing and insulation? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to talk.