The Connection between Ice Dams and Your Roof
Research has shown that your attic air temperature isn’t affected by the sun in winter as much as one might think. While cozy in the living spaces below, warm air getting into your attic is commonly the culprit when it comes to ice dams. As we all know, heat rises, and in climates with a lot of snow and freezing temps when that air rises into the peaks of your attic it can cause snow on the roof to melt and run down the slope. When that water reaches your eaves, which are still cold, it refreezes. After a few cycles of melting and freezing, the ice builds up and forms a dam which causes water to pool with nowhere to go. That water backs up under shingles. If it freezes again and expands, it can start to lift your shingles and damage soffit and fascia. It’s very heavy and can start to damage your gutters and roof structure. Worse yet, it can find somewhere to enter your attic and eventually causes damage to interior ceilings, walls, and can contribute to mold and mildew growth.
An abundance of icicles along eaves and gutters may be a warning that there’s ice damming beginning.
Prevention
You can reduce the likelihood of ice damming before it ever starts. Keep those gutters clear by keeping debris from clogging your gutters and downspouts. If feasible, limit the snow on your roof by using a “roof rake” to remove snow. Have the insulation and ventilation evaluated in your attic. Be sure the insulation has the correct R value for your region. Insulation prevents heat loss from lower levels of your home through your attic. Adequate airflow going from your soffits and eaves out through roof vents is very important. It allows the attic to stay cold enough to minimize the melting and freezing cycles.
It’s important to remove ice dams before further thawing and freezing cycles cause it to continue to grow and expand putting your gutters and roof in further danger.
Another option is to upgrade your roof to a metal roof if you have had regular issues with ice damming on your asphalt shingle roof. The smooth texture, interlocking panels, and heat conduction characteristics significantly help reduce ice dams forming.
We can help!
Star Improvements of MI can help you remove your ice dams safely and properly without further damage to your home. We can repair what damage may have already been done. If you’d like your attic insulation and ventilation evaluated, we can do that. We can adjust or upgrade your gutters and downspouts to allow better drainage or add gutter screens to keep debris out. Tired of battling ice year after year? Maybe it’s time to consider a metal roof instead. Contact us today for an estimate.
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