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Ice Dams, Snow Slides and Freezing Temperatures… Oh My!

For some, there might be something magical about the icicles dangling from the eaves of a snow-clad house like something out of a children’s book. However, while icicles might look attractive to some, they clearly indicate that something bad is happening under the snow.

According to roofing experts, icicles are a harmful byproduct of an ‘ice dam’ on the roof or eaves. Ultimately, these ice dams can cause several problems including:

  • rotted roofs
  • ruined insulation
  • peeling paint
  • mold
  • moisture on the inner walls

Ice dams develop when the temperature in the attic is much warmer than the outside temperature caused by improper roof ventilation and inadequate insulation. When the roofing tile, like synthetic slate roof tile, on the top is warm, it will melt snow, but as it reaches the eaves which are cold, the water from the melting snow will freeze in the gutters and cause an ice dam and icicles.

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and home, so you cannot ignore them. One way to prevent ice buildup is to keep your attic temperature close to the outside temperature as possible. Make sure you attic is properly ventilated and insulated.

For these and more roofing tips, please visit our blog.