While the accumulation of snow or ice on your rooftop may look pretty, it can actually harm vital roofing materials, including shingles, gutters, and siding. The problem is most likely to occur when ice dams form on the roof, and even in the South, this is a possibility. Ice dams trap meltwater against the roof, which can eventually cause significant leaks. Here’s how you can keep them from forming in the first place.

Seal Off the Attic

Ice dams are typically the result of a warm attic causing part of the snow or ice on the roof to melt, while exterior layers remain frozen. Because of this, the airspace in the attic should be kept below freezing when the weather outside is equally cold.

Problems occur when warm air from the rest of the house is allowed to escape into the attic—a relatively common issue since heat naturally rises. Homeowners need to find any holes or leaks in the attic floor and seal them with weatherstripping to keep warm air in the occupied portions of the home.

Improve Attic Insulation & Ventilation

Further attic enhancements will also be necessary to protect your roofing materials. Improving floor insulation levels will keep warm air from escaping through the roof. The thicker the insulation, the higher its R-value. Applying additional insulation when necessary will reduce the risk of ice dams and improve the home’s energy efficiency.

While extra insulation can make a big difference, homeowners should be cautious to avoid blocking attic ventilation systems. Soffit vents bring cold air into the attic to prevent ice dams. Covering these vents could lead to problematic heat buildup. If you don’t have pre-existing soffit vents, you’ll need to install gable or roof vents.

With a metal roof from H & H Metal Products LLC, you’ll have even greater protection against ice dams and other environmental hazards along with a significant heating and cooling advantage over other materials. Based in Hardin County, TN, these residential metal roofing experts service the Tri-State area with high-quality roofing materials and dependable service. To learn more about what they can do for you, visit them online or call (731) 925-1922.