Ice dams are a common issue for any homeowner in an area where temperatures drop below freezing for some of the year. Knowing how to spot ice dams and what causes them is essential if you want to keep your roof in top condition.
What Is An Ice Dam?
Ice dams are formed along the edge of a roof when the snow melts and then freezes again. The result is an ice dam forming, preventing water from draining off your roof properly. Ice dams can form anywhere on your roof where two inclined sides meet one another. While an ice dam is frozen, it doesn’t usually cause many problems, but as it melts this can quickly change. If enough water is able to pool then it can seep beneath tiles and end up causing serious damage to your roof.
If enough water gathers in the form of an ice dam, then it can ultimately go through your roof and cause water damage to the rest of your property as well.
What Causes Ice Dams?
The most important factor in determining whether and how ice dams form is the temperature of your roof. Ice dams are most commonly found on roofs with a non-uniform surface temperature. When snow falls onto such a roof, it will melt when it falls onto warmer areas but will freeze again when it passes over an area that is freezing.
If these warmer areas are located above the colder areas then when the snow melts, it will flow down to the colder areas below, where it will freeze again. This cycle will continue to repeat, causing ice dams to accumulate on the colder areas of the roof and preventing water from draining properly when the snow melts.
What Effects Do They Have On Your Property?
Ice dams can cause damage to a property much faster than many people realize. If an ice dam is left long enough without being addressed, a significant amount of liquid will accumulate. When this ultimately melts, the resulting deluge can easily overwhelm your roof and soak into the structure of your home itself.
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with ice dams is that getting rid of ice dams quickly not only prevents them from being able to damage your property, but it also ensures they are as simple to get rid of as possible.
Removing And Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams that are dealt with promptly won’t give you many issues. However, it is surprisingly easy for an ice dam to escape your attention, especially on larger and more complicated properties. If you find yourself facing a particularly large dam, you may well want to call in a professional to deal with it. They will be able to clear larger ice dams in a way that is safe and effective.
If you are able to restore a more even temperature to your roof then you can prevent ice dams. If you can afford to keep your roof heated then ice dams won’t have a chance to form. However, as long as you deal with them promptly, ice dams shouldn’t cause you many issues.
