Rooftops covered in winter snow may resemble a postcard, but they frequently conceal a dangerous hazard: ice dams. Although these frozen formations along the edge of the roof may appear harmless, they can cause serious damage that requires homeowners to make expensive repairs.
If you’re looking to learn more about ice dams, all the information you need to know is covered in this blog post. We’ll address how they develop, how to avoid them, and long-term measures to safeguard your home this winter.
What Are Ice Dams and How Do They Form?
An ice dam is a layer of ice that forms along the edge of a sloped roof. It occurs when there are frequent periods of snowmelt that flow down to the edge of the roof and refreeze, creating a barrier that blocks further water drainage. This trapped water can seep into the home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation. Ice dams are common in parts of the country that receive frequent snow, and in these areas, it’s important to be quick in order to prevent serious problems.
A Breakdown On Ice Dam Formation
- Snow Builds Up: Snow gathers on the roof during winter
- Heat Escapes: Warm air from inside the house heats the center of the roof, melting the snow
- Water Flows Down: The snowmelt flows toward the colder edges of the roof
- Freezes at the Edge: The water refreezes at the roof’s edges, forming an ice dam
- The Cycle Repeats: As temperatures change, more snow melts and refreezes, making the ice dam grow
- Water Gets Trapped: The ice dam blocks further snow melt from draining off the roof, causing water to pool and leak under shingles into the home.
Potential Damage Caused by Ice Dams
While an ice dam might not seem like a big deal, its presence means that many forms of damage could develop along your roof if you’re not careful. Here are some examples:
1. Roof Leaks
Ice dams block melting snow from draining properly, causing water to seep under shingles. This can lead to roof leaks, expensive repairs, and long-term structural problems.
2. Interior Damage
Water that leaks through the roof can harm ceilings, walls, and insulation. It can cause stains, weaken structures, and damage personal belongings.
3. Mold and Mildew
Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. This not only damages your home, it also poses health risks and requires expensive cleanup.
4. Gutter Damage
The weight of ice dams can cause gutters and downspouts to pull away from the roofline. Damaged drainage systems may lead to water pooling near the foundation, increasing the risk of structural issues.
5. Weakened Structures
Repeated water exposure can rot wood and weaken your home’s framework, resulting in expensive repairs and potential safety hazards.
6. Higher Energy Costs
Ice dams often indicate poor insulation and ventilation, leading to heat loss. This makes heating systems work harder, increasing energy bills.
7. Pest Infestations
Moist, warm areas created by ice dams can attract pests like insects and rodents. These infestations are hard to control and pose additional health concerns.
8. Landscape Damage
Runoff from ice dams can erode soil and harm plants, shrubs, and trees. Restoring your landscape may require significant time and expense.
What Can Cause An Ice Dam?
While we explained how an ice dam forms, it’s not a natural thing, and there are actually a few causes behind why they form in the first place:
1. Heat Loss
Warm air escapes into the attic, heating the roof and causing the snow along the roof to melt. The melted water then refreezes at the colder edges, forming an ice dam.
2. Poor Insulation
Without enough insulation, warm air presses against the surface of the roof, causing uneven roof temperatures and promoting ice dam formation.
3. Lack of Ventilation
With poor insulation, when the attic isn’t well-ventilated, warm air gets trapped, raising the roof’s surface temperature and increasing the chance of ice dams.
4. Constant Temperature Fluctuations
As temperatures rise and fall throughout the day, snow melts and refreezes, creating the conditions for ice dams to form.
5. Blocked Gutters
Clogged gutters prevent water from draining properly, causing it to freeze and build up into an ice dam.
6. Sun Exposure
Snow melts faster on the areas of the roof that get the most sunlight, leading to uneven melting and freezing along the colder edges.
7. Dirty Gutters
Debris in the gutter system blocks water flow, causing it to freeze and further contribute to ice dam formation.
Preventing Ice Dams
In order to prevent ice dams and avoid the need to fix roof damage from ice dams in the future, here are some things you can do:
1. Improve Attic Insulation
Insulate your attic well to stop warm air from melting snow on the roof. Aim for at least an R-vale of R-30, with R-38 being ideal for colder areas.
2. Enhance Ventilation
Make sure the attic is properly ventilated so that outside air can keep the roof cold and prevent snow from melting and refreezing.
3. Clean Gutters Regularly
Keep gutters free from debris so melting snow can drain off the roof. Clogged gutters can trap water, leading to ice dams.
4. Remove Snow from the Roof
Use a roof rake to remove snow after storms, especially from the edges where ice dams are most likely to form.
5. Seal Air Leaks
Seal gaps around pipes, chimneys, and other holes in the attic to stop heat from escaping into the attic and melting snow.
6. Install Heating Cables
Consider adding heating cables along the roof and gutters to help prevent ice buildup and keep the temperature of your roof consistent.
7. Use Roof Safe Ice Melt Products
Apply roof-safe ice melt products to manage ice buildup and prevent damage to the roof.
Fixing Ice Dam Damage
With professional help, you can prevent ice dam damage in the future but in the meantime, you’ll want to take quick action and repair the damage you find once the ice dam has fully melted.
1. Repair Shingles and Underlayment
Replace any damaged shingles and install new underlayment to restore the roof’s protection against water.
2. Fix Interior Damage
Repair water-damaged drywall, repaint stained areas, and replace wet insulation to keep your home in good condition.
3. Professional Inspection
Have a roofing expert check the damage and suggest necessary repairs.
Worried About Ice Dams? Contact OConnor Contracting
Ice dams can cause serious roof damage during winter if it’s not addressed. By understanding how they form and recognizing the signs early, you can take action to prevent expensive damage.
Concerned about ice dams this winter? Protect your roof with OConnor Contracting. We offer expert roofing services for preventing and removing ice dams, ensuring proper insulation and ventilation, and repairing many forms of damage. Reach out to us at (716) 600-7663 and learn more about how we can help you!