Ice dams are a major cause of roof leaks and property damage. They form along the eaves of your roof and create icicles that block water flow into gutters.
While the causes of ice dams are complicated, there are several quick fixes you can do to prevent them. Start by ensuring your attic has adequate insulation and a well-ventilated roof. Contact Gutters Colorado Springs for more information.
Gutters are not designed to handle the weight of ice.
The weight of ice and snow can strain gutters and cause them to collapse. This damage can lead to water leaks, rust, exterior wall staining, foundation erosion and even mold growth. In addition, ice dams prevent water from flowing off the roof and back into the gutter system. This causes overflow and backed up water that can seep under the shingles, which in turn can cause damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
Ice dams form along the eaves of sloped roofs when melting snow on the top of the house reaches the edge and freezes. Since the eaves are often warmer than the rest of the house, this usually happens in areas where the eave meets or overhangs the edge of the house. This is where ice dams are most likely to form and dangle picturesque icicles that look pretty, but are actually quite harmful to your roof, house and gutters.
When this ice dam is left unattended, it can create additional ice dams further up the shingles and overflow the gutter. This can eventually damage the shingles, causing them to break off or loosen and allow more water into your home. This cycle can continue until the shingles are completely damaged or the gutter collapses and a hole is created in your roof.
In addition to causing property damage, ice dams also pose a safety hazard because they are slippery and dangerous to walk on. If you try to remove the ice dam yourself, be sure to do it carefully so as not to fall off your roof or hurt yourself. You can also hire a professional who knows how to safely and effectively remove ice dams and prevent them from forming in the future.
Another way to minimize the formation of ice dams is by installing heated roof cables. These cables are installed in your gutter system and run along the eaves to melt the ice dams as they form. This eliminates the need to use a ladder in cold temperatures and allows you to check your gutter system from inside your home to spot potential problems before they become dangerous.
Gutters that are pitched correctly can also prevent ice dams from forming. Raptor gutters are designed to pitch downward at a slight angle which helps move water through the system, even if there are mounds of snow sitting in the gutters. Keeping water moving prevents the interior of the gutter from clogging and freezing, keeps water from pooling and refreezing and protects the gutter walls from ice and snow buildup.
You can also take preventative steps to avoid ice dams by insulating your attic, cleaning out the gutters regularly and checking for a plugged downspout during autumn. If you do notice a plugged downspout, be sure to install a heated downspout cable or remove the plugged downspout and replace it with an open one to keep your gutters safe from ice dams. These measures are worth the investment as they will save you money in the long run by preventing ice dams and protecting your roof, foundation and home from expensive damage.
Gutters are not designed to handle the weight of snow.
The function of gutters is to carry water away from your roof and keep it dry, but snow and ice can interfere with this process. When ice dams form, they prevent water from draining off your roof and instead backs up behind the shingles and into your home, where it can damage walls, insulation, ceilings, floors and other parts of your house. In addition, leaking water may lead to mold and mildew, which can also be dangerous for your family’s health.
Keeping your home protected from the damage caused by ice dams is important, but it’s equally important to prevent them from forming in the first place. You can do this by properly ventilating your attic and insulating your roof. These measures will reduce the temperature difference between the roof and your living space, which is what causes ice dams in the first place.
Another way to prevent ice dams is by keeping the snow on your roof low. The best way to do this is by using a long-handled device known as a roof rake, which allows you to stand on the ground and rake off the snow. This keeps the snow load on your roof as low as possible, which is key to preventing ice dams and other roof problems.
When an ice dam forms, it’s because snow on your roof melts and flows down to the areas of your roof that are colder, which refreeze it into ice. The ice dam builds up over time, and eventually blocks water from flowing off your roof. This is bad because it can cause leaks in your roof, and it can also pull off shingles and other exterior elements if the ice dam gets big enough.
You can fix ice dams once they’ve formed by steaming them off, but the best way to deal with them is to prevent them from forming in the first places. That means having a professional install proper insulation and ventilation in your attic, as well as installing a heated helmet or heat cables on your roof to encourage faster runoff of melting snow and help prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
Gutters are designed to work with your roof and down spouts, which is why they should be free of leaves, debris and other items that can hinder their ability to carry water away from the roof. Inspect your gutters to ensure they are clean and properly installed, and consider getting them professionally cleaned before winter arrives to make sure they are ready to perform their job effectively all season long. If you have a problem with your gutters or down spouts, it’s a good idea to call in a roofing contractor for repair or replacement before the damage is too severe. Contact Asher today to schedule a free roofing inspection and quote. Our experts will help you protect your home from the expensive damage of ice dams this winter! We provide roof repairs, gutter cleaning, and other roofing services in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.