Ice dams are one of the most common and dangerous roofing issues during winter. While this problem can leave pretty icicles hanging from a roof, they hide a larger problem that can create severe issues inside the home. Here is some more information about ice dams, including how they form and what you can do to prevent them.

How Do They Form?

As snow accumulates, hot air from the attic will heat the roof, melting the snow. When this happens, the moisture travels to the uninsulated edges and eaves of your roofing. If the outside temperature is low enough, the melted snow will refreeze along the edges to create large blocks of ice. These dams grow as more melted snow accumulates on top of them, often creating icicles of varying sizes.

What Damage Can They Cause?

The weight of ice dams stresses roofing systems, placing considerable pressure on the shingles and gutters, potentially pulling them away from the home. As melting snow infiltrates shingles that have broken from the extra weight, the moisture penetrates the roofing underlayment, promoting wood rot inside the structure of your home.

Mold and mildew also develop from excessive moisture and dark conditions, causing further structural rot. If these fungal growths spread, they will compromise your indoor air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues and allergy symptoms among household members.

How Can You Prevent Them?

Avoid ice dam-related problems by insulating your attic. This prevents hot air from escaping through the roof and warming it. Also, ensure the roof deck has adequate ventilation, as this prevents stagnant air from further warming the space. Natural ventilation keeps the attic dry, unlike mechanical ventilation that can contribute to moisture problems.

Other preventative measures include using a roof rake or broom to remove snow before it hardens. If ice dams form despite your best efforts, contact a professional roofing service to remove them. Attempting to chip away at dams is dangerous, as you must climb onto the roof and potentially deal with large chunks falling. Roofers use steam to melt the ice and drain it safely away from the home.

If you need help maintaining the roofing system on your home, contact CL Siding & Construction. This family-owned company in Newark, OH, features a team of fully licensed and insured general contractors who provide siding and window installation, as well as roof repairs and maintenance. Call (740) 323-1406 for a free estimate, or visit the website for more information about their services.