An ice dam is a roofing problem that can cause leaks and roofing damage. Ice dams occur when warm air in the attic causes snow on the roof to melt and roll down to the eaves of the house. The melting snow eventually re-freezes near the eaves, causing icicles to form.
As melting and thawing cycle occurs throughout the winter, ice backs up under the shingles and eventually penetrates the sheathing beneath. Ice dams that go un-repaired may eventually cause a roof leak. Working with skilled Collingwood roofers can help.
How Can You Prevent An Ice Dam?
Ice dams start with a mixture of warm and cold air in the attic. The warm air rises to the highest point of the attic, causing a hot spot to form at the roof’s peak. Clogged gutters can contribute to this problem by holding water that eventually turns to ice. Eliminating ice dams is a multi-step process. To stop an ice dam from forming on your home, it’s important to rectify the problems that can contribute to the ice dam’s formation.
Insulate Your Attic
Attic insulation can prevent the transfer of warm air from the home’s interior into the attic. This helps ensure that the air in the attic is evenly cold throughout the winter, thus reducing the chances that a hot spot will form.
Improve Ventilation In Your Attic
Proper attic ventilation helps keep the air in the attic an even temperature. This is why it’s important to hire a professional to insulate your attic. Many homeowners who install their own insulation inadvertently cover their own attic vents, which in turn can reduce air flow in the attic and lead to uneven temperatures throughout.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Clogged gutters can easily fill with ice. Once the gutters fill with frozen water, the ice may back up onto the roof, which can cause damage to the shingles as well as the sheathing, eventually causing an ice dam.
Keep Your Roof Clear
Debris on the roof will eventually blow into the gutters, causing clogs. Keeping your roof clear of debris like leaves and twigs can keep your gutters clean, which in turn can help prevent an ice dam in the winter.
Have An Ice Dam? Contact Collingwood Roofers
If your home has icicles hanging from the gutters, and water leaks from melting snow, you may have an ice dam on your roof. Get help from a roofing expert. Work the Collingwood roofers who can insulate your attic, repair damage to your shingles and repair the sheathing.
Ainger Roofing in Collingwood is proud to help homeowners repair ice dams and other winter roofing problems. We can help ensure that your ice dam is properly cleared while also preventing future ice dams from forming. Call Ainger Roofing today to set up an appointment.
