Dam Those Ice Dams

Even though winter weather is in our past, ice dams are still haunting us. Why? Because the weight and damage done during the winter months by ice dams can cause concerns for your roof the remainder of the year.

In case your "spring mindset" has made you forget what an ice dam is … remember the mound of ice that formed along the bottom of your sloped roof this past winter or in the valley where two roof planes meet? That's an ice dam.

polymer roof tilesAccording to Traveler's Insurance, heat rising from your home's interior during the winter can melt the snow and ice on the roof, causing water runoff. This same water can refreeze when it hits the cold edge of the roofline, creating an ice dam that prevents water from draining properly. Depending on how large the ice dam is, it can harm your roof and gutters.

Now that the snow is gone, prepare your home for the future by making sure to insulate your attic to help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form in the first place. This involves sealing any place where warm air could leak from your house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures.

Also, if you're replacing your roof this year, experts at DaVinci Roofscapes recommend you make certain that a sel-adhered membrane is placed beneath the new tiles. This can serve as an added barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside your home.

While the warmer weather may not feel like the time to concern yourself with ice dams, it's actually the best time of year to evaluate damage caused by freezing ice dams last year and to get ready for next winter!

For more winter woes to face this spring, see Winter Weather Weary Roof and Ice Dams, Snow Slides and Freezing Temperatures… Oh my!