Heavy snowstorms and chilly temperatures during the winter can lead to damaging ice dams that leave roof problems in their wake. If your roof suffers ice dam formation, you’ll need to hire a contractor to repair the damage.
How can you safeguard your roof from harmful ice dams? Read on to gain valuable insight that will assist you in understanding what causes this common problem in the first place, and how to prevent it from happening.
Ice Dam Basics for Wichita Area Homeowners
Ice Dams Defined
Winter weather prompts the formation of ice dams to occur, and while they may look beautiful, they can spell trouble and cause accidents that could have been prevented. An ice dam forms when melting snow thaws over warmer parts of your roof and refreezes along your roof’s cold eaves. The bigger problem is that melted water pools behind the ice dam and gets trapped, which can cause a leak to occur in your home, damaging your walls, ceilings, insulation, and structure.
But I Thought Icicles Hanging from My Roof Were Pretty!
When you see icicles form on your roof’s edge, that’s a signal you have ice dams on your roof. This indicates you need to have a roof and attic inspection so you know what needs to be changed in order to prevent the common problem of ice dams from occurring again.
How to Keep Ice Dams from Forming
Here are the elements that make your roof a low risk for ice dam formation. The key is to do everything you can to prevent them from forming, including:
- Ample attic ventilation – When your attic is properly ventilated, it impacts the longevity of your roof and prevents ice dams from forming. Ventilation works best when soffits allow sufficient intake, and roof vents or ridge vents provide ample exhaust from your attic. The result? Fluid airflow keeps your attic cool enough each winter to prevent your roof from heating up and causing snow to melt, refreeze, and form ice dams. Air circulating through your attic allows heat and moisture to constantly escape your attic, preventing mold, mildew, rot, and deterioration from wreaking havoc on your attic.
- Abundant home insulation – Plentiful attic insulation maximizes your roof’s performance and longevity. This will help you save on your utility bills because your energy usage will decrease. It will also lower greenhouse gas emissions and extend the life of your roof. Without proper insulation, heat and moisture can become trapped in your attic and cause damage to your roof due to ice dam formation.
- Cool attic temperatures during the winter – When your attic stays cool in the winter, it prevents snow from melting and refreezing on your roof, and therefore keeps the possibility of ice dams at bay.
- Ice-and-water barrier application – The next time you have your roof replaced, talk with your roofing contractor about installing an ice dam prevention product from three to six feet up your roof from the edge. This is a self-sealing underlayment that adheres to the roof decking and waterproofs it. Roof shingles are installed over it. While you wouldn’t want to tear up a perfectly good roof to install this, it’s smart to include it during your next roof replacement.
Common Factors That Cause Ice Dams to Form
- Heat trapped in the attic
- Not enough airflow in the attic due to inadequate intake and exhaust ventilation
- Inadequate insulation in the attic
The Problems Ice Dams Cause
Ice dams themselves can fall on someone walking around the perimeter of your house and harm them. Also, when an ice dam keeps water from flowing down your roof and being channeled away from your exterior via your downspouts, the water needs somewhere to go—and it may back up and seep through your roof.
When water finds a crack or opening in your roof, a leak, gutter damage, or other home exterior issue results. Don’t risk the possibility of roof leaks or other damage due to ice dams. Prevent them by taking the proper precautions.
How to Get Ready for Winter Snow
- Clean your gutters and downspouts so debris doesn’t block them, causing water to flow into your roof decking and potentially causing ice dam formation.
- Contact a trusted roofing contractor (like us!) and have your attic inspected for adequate insulation and ventilation.
- Ask your contractor for guidance about WeatherLock® Ice and Water Barrier products.
- Have soffits and ridge vents installed if needed.
- Ask your roofing contractor to evaluate your current roof to ensure it does not need repairs or replacement.
What to Do (and Not Do) if You Spot an Ice Dam
If you have ice dams form on your roof, don’t climb up there and put yourself at risk of a dangerous fall. From the safety of the ground, call a trusted roofing contractor, and have them remove the ice dams and help you get to the root of and address what caused them so you can keep them from forming again.
Enjoy the Beauty and Protection of a New Roof
You deserve to live in a home that is well guarded from winter storms, hail, heavy rains, and high winds. The good news is that you can by hiring our team to install a durable CertainTeed roof.
At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we are a ShingleMaster Applicator with CertainTeed, one of the top roofing manufacturers today. This means we underwent certification programs offered by CertainTeed, which covered various aspects of shingle installation including proper installation techniques, safety protocols, and the acquiring of extensive product knowledge.
We meticulously follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring every aspect of your roofing installation complies with industry standards and best practices so you get the high performance you deserve for the expected lifespan of your roof. Learn more about how our roofing services can enhance your home’s beauty and fortify it against ice dams and other damaging intruders.
