Common Questions New Homeowners Ask About Ice Dams

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

An ice dam can also create massive problems

As the winter intensifies, you might see an ice dam forming above your home in Lyons, CO, after a winter storm. Even though it seems like a harmless addition to the building, it can cause a substantial amount of damage. Learn more about these dams by reading the answers to the most frequent questions about them.

What Are Ice Dams?

These structures usually form during the wintertime, when both freezing temperatures and precipitation take place. They typically form around the edge of your home's roof when snow melts, falls and accumulates around the gutters. The cold air then freezes the water and interrupts the flow that transports it through the gutters and away from the building. The frozen water also creates a dam that keeps the snow on the warm roof and lets it accumulate.

How Do They Affect the House?
An ice dam can create serious damage to your property. Besides damaging the gutters, the snow over the heated roof will melt and seep through the shingles, leading to other issues such as:

• Roof and shingle damage
  
• Ceiling, wall and floor water damage
  
• Appliance and other property damage
  
• Mold and mildew infestation
  
  

Even though this issue initially affects the roof, it can impact the rest of the house. It is important to break down dams when you spot them and prevent them from forming.

What Are the Best Solutions?
After you see ice dams, hire roof professionals to carefully remove snow from the roof and ice from the gutters. If there is water damage already inside, make sure you have ice dam coverage and contact water damage repair specialists to fix it. Prevent future ice dams by ensuring that heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire roof. Increase insulation on the ceiling and seal any leakage to keep warm air from the attic area. A weatherization consultant can also guide you throughout the process.
Though an ice dam can be a nice sight during winter, it can also create massive problems. Research removal and prevention methods to protect your home from them.