Winter can bring some beautiful, snow-covered landscapes, but it also brings its fair share of potential issues for homeowners—one of the most common being ice dams on roofs. This year, many homeowners throughout the Greater Hamilton Area (GHA) experienced a significant amount of ice damming, due to the extreme snowfall we had in February. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home, and understanding what they are, what causes them, and how to prevent them can save you time, money, and stress during the colder months.
What Are Ice Dams?
An ice dam is a build-up of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly. Typically, ice dams form when warm air from inside your home heats the roof, causing the snow to melt. As the water runs down the roof, it reaches the eaves, where the temperature is much colder. This causes the water to refreeze, forming a dam of ice. Over time, this process continues to build up layers of ice at the edge of your roof.
What Causes Ice Damming?
Several factors contribute to the formation of ice dams:
Heat loss from the attic: A poorly insulated or ventilated attic allows the warm air to rise from the living areas of your home heating the roof and causes the snow to melt unevenly. Additionally, old, deteriorated shingles can contribute to heat loss as well, as they may no longer provide the proper insulation and protection for your roof.
Inadequate attic ventilation: Without good airflow, the heated air in the attic can linger, causing melting and refreezing at the roofline. Soffit intake vents are essential in this process as they bring in cooler air from outside, helping to maintain a balanced temperature in the attic. By allowing cooler air to flow in at the eaves and hot air to escape through roof vents, soffit intake vents play a crucial role in preventing the warm air buildup that leads to ice dam formation.
Snow accumulation: A significant amount of snow on the roof is the first step in the formation of an ice dam. As the snow accumulates, it begins to melt when it reaches the warmer areas of the roof, which then refreezes when it reaches the cooler eaves.
Roof design: Certain roof styles, such as those with low slopes or complex features (dormers, valleys, etc.), can create areas where snow collects and melts unevenly, increasing the chances of ice dam formation.
The Hazards of Ice Damming
Ice dams may seem like a natural occurrence, but they can create serious problems for homeowners. The dangers of ice dams include:
Water damage to the roof and interior: When water backs up behind an ice dam, it can seep under shingles and into the roof structure, causing leaks and potentially damaging the ceilings, walls, and even the foundation. This can result in costly repairs.
Gutter damage: The ice buildup can also damage gutters, causing them to detach from the roof or become clogged with ice, which impedes proper drainage.
Structural damage: The weight of the ice can damage the roof itself, leading to sagging, cracking, or even collapsing in severe cases.
Mold growth: If water leaks into the home and isn’t addressed promptly, it can lead to mold growth, which can cause health issues and further damage to your home.
Solutions to Prevent Ice Dams
Preventing ice dams requires addressing the root causes—mainly the combination of heat loss from the attic and inadequate roof ventilation. Here are a few solutions that can help prevent ice damming:
Improve attic insulation: Adding or upgrading insulation can help maintain a consistent temperature in the attic, reducing the risk of snow melting unevenly on the roof.
Increase attic ventilation: Adding or improving ventilation in the attic allows cool air to circulate and prevents the buildup of warm air.
Reroofing with ice and water shield: If you’re replacing or repairing your roof, installing an ice and water shield under the shingles can help prevent water from seeping into the roof deck in the event of ice dams. At Edge’s Roofing Company, we make ice and water shield membrane an integral part of every new roof we install. This membrane is applied at the eaves as well as under valleys and around all roof penetrations, such as plumbing stack flanges, ensuring a fully protected roof system that helps prevent water damage caused by ice dams.
Clear snow from the roof: If an ice dam has already formed, removing snow from the roof can help reduce the amount of water that will melt and refreeze. This can be done with a roof rake (be careful to avoid damaging the shingles), or a professional roofing company can assist with safe removal.
Professional inspections and repairs: Regular inspections by a roofing professional can help identify potential issues, such as poor insulation, insufficient ventilation, or roofing damage, before they result in ice dams.
When to Address Ice Dams
The best time to address ice dam prevention is before winter arrives. During the colder months, once snow begins to accumulate on your roof, it’s too late to make changes. Here’s a timeline for when to perform these tasks:
Late Spring to Early Fall: This is the ideal time to perform preventive measures like adding insulation, improving attic ventilation, or installing heating cables. It’s also the best time for roof inspections and repairs to ensure your home is ready for the winter months.
Winter: If ice dams form during the winter, take immediate steps to remove snow and ice, either by yourself (with the right equipment) or by calling in professionals. However, large-scale work, like adding insulation or improving ventilation, should be done during warmer months.
Conclusion
Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and home if left unchecked. By understanding what causes them and taking preventive measures before winter, you can avoid costly repairs and protect your property. If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or attic, it’s always a good idea to consult with a roofing professional to ensure your home is properly prepared for the winter season.
At Edge’s Roofing Company, we specialize in roofing solutions that keep your home safe and secure, whether you need to replace old shingles, install ice and water shield, or inspect your roof for potential issues. Reach out to us today to schedule a free no obligation roof inspection and ensure your roof is ready for the winter months ahead.
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