Top Issues That Ice Dams Cause
Winter can bring a sense of joy and beauty, but it also comes with its fair share of hazards. One of the most common and damaging issues faced during the colder months is the formation of ice dams. Particularly prevalent in regions like the Northeast, ice dams occur when heavy snowfall combined with extreme cold creates a dangerous cycle on your roof.
As snow melts and refreezes at the edges, it forms a barrier that traps water, preventing proper drainage. This buildup can cause significant damage both inside and outside your home or business. Understanding the risks and consequences of ice dams is essential to protecting your property during the winter season.
1. Roof Damage
Ice dams are tough on roofs. Even a tiny amount of water can cause serious damage to your home,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore; when water backs up behind an ice dam, it seeps under shingles, causing them to loosen or rot, which may require costly repairs. Damaged shingles expose your roof to leaks, potentially shortening its lifespan. Keeping your roof well-insulated and removing snow buildup can prevent these issues from escalating.
2. Interior Water Leaks
As water works past damaged shingles, it can enter your attic and walls, resulting in water stains on ceilings and warped drywall. Water damage from frozen or burst pipes accounted for 22% of all US homeowners. Water damage from ice dams can be significant enough to impact insurance claims, making this a costly hazard for homeowners. Ensuring proper attic ventilation and sealing air leaks in your home can help prevent this issue.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
The formation of ice dams traps moisture, encouraging mold and mildew growth. These issues, along with a compromised home structure, create health risks. The CDC warns that mold exposure can worsen respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies, mainly when spread through ventilation and air conditioning. Addressing insulation issues and sources of excess moisture in the home can help prevent mold growth.
4. Insulation Damage
When water leaks into the attic, insulation can become soaked, losing its effectiveness and driving up energy costs. Wet insulation no longer traps heat effectively, causing your home to lose warmth. Upgrading your attic insulation and sealing any heat leaks can help keep your home energy-efficient and prevent ice dam formation.
5. Gutter and Downspout Damage
Heavy ice buildup from ice dams strains gutters, leading to sagging, cracking, or detachment. Damaged gutters impact drainage, potentially harming landscaping and foundation. Regularly clearing gutters and using safe ice melts can help.
Prevention Tips
Focus on attic insulation, air sealing, and ventilation to keep your roof’s surface cold and reduce the risk of ice dams. Snow rakes and calcium chloride ice melts are effective for removing ice buildup safely.
Professional assessments are also beneficial, identifying heat-loss areas for effective insulation upgrades. You can protect your home’s structure and energy efficiency through winter with proactive measures.
If you have noticed that you have ice dams already or need any roof work to solve your problem and live in Eastern Massachusetts, please feel free to give Brown Bros Roofing a call. We are happy to see if we can help out!
