While we are all hoping for warmer weather, the thaw can cause serious damage to your home if you have ice and snow backed up on your roof.
The problem known as Ice Damming can cause water to leak into the interior spaces and damage walls and more. Ice dams typically occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures.
Life cycle of an ice dam:
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• Heat collects in the attic due to poor insulation and warms the roof, except at the eaves. (With the amount of ice and snow many times insulation that is usually enough isn’t even working. This can happen to any house this winter, check all around your house perimeter for excessive ice buildup)
• Snow melts on the warm roof and then freezes on the cold eaves.
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• Ice accumulates along the eaves, forming a dam. Melted water from the roof backs up, flows under the shingles, and into the structure.
What to look for:
• Interior water damage, frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under where the roof is damaged.
• Icicles that have formed along the edge of the roof and gutters are often signs of an ice dam.
Prevention/Remedial suggestions:
• Consider the purchase of a roof rake for situations of extreme snow accumulation. The average cost is only $40. Look for one with wheels since these lessen the chance you will damage the roof covering.
• Look into picking up Roofmelt tabs at your local home improvement or hardware store. They are easy to use.
• Create channels that make it possible for water to drain off the roof. (This can be done with the Roof melt tabs or, it has been suggested that filling stockings with rock salt and laying that on the ice will help melt the area and allow water to flow off the roof)
• Controlling ice dams begins with eliminating heat loss and keeping your entire roof the same temperature.
▪ Increase ventilation in the space to carry away any heat that leaks through.
▪ Add insulation to your attic to prevent heat from escaping through the ceiling.
▪ Seal any areas where warm air may leak from your living space into the attic, such as poorly fitting pull-down staircase.
▪ Make sure your gutters are clear. If possible, clear them out so that any ice that has formed can melt and flow away from your home.
Linda Blackwell~ Fabulous Fairfield County
Sr Vice President of Sales - Al Filippone Associates@Wm Raveis Real Estate
203 362-8316 | LindaBlackwell@optonline.net
