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An ice dam is a build up of ice forming near the edge of a roof that prevents melting snow from properly draining off the roof. In many older homes attics will have insufficient insulation or ventilation. This causes the roof above the attic to warm up melting the snow and running down to freeze on the cold eaves creating an ice dam and all kinds of problems for you and your home.
Many of times we notice things because there is already a problem. It would be nice if icicles where more of a warning sign, but they are a sign there is already an issue that needs attention. The first thing you can do is safely remove the excess snow off your roof. Using a roof rake or similar tools to safely remove snow off your roof from the ground will help prevent additional snow from creating or worsening current ice dams. There are also easy DIY solutions the melt ice dams with household items. Using calcium chloride ice melter you can fill pantyhose and then lay them atop of ice damns that have currently formed on your roof. This wont be a permanent solution but it will buy you some time to get a professional out to give you a assessment of the damage and what the next steps will be in preventing future ice dams.
the quick fixes mentioned above are just that. They are meant to treat the symptoms of an ice dam but will not prevent them from continuing in the future. The real issues that need to be addressed are making sure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This is what creates a warm roof that melts snow and inevitably ice dams. Below are 3 sure fire ways to prevent ice dams in the future…
1. Have a professional make sure your attic is properly insulated. Proper insulation of your living spaces and attic will prevent conduction and convection between your ceiling and attic and your attic and the exterior surface of your roof.
2. Sealing all points where warm air leaks from living spaces. Air vents, can lights, and any other point where warm air can escape the living area into walls. The space below the roof sheathing should be also checked and properly sealed.
3. Proper ventilation of your attic is key. Ridge vents at the top and soffit vents help warm air escape and cool air to flow through your attic or nonliving space just below your roof. This helps eliminate uneven temperatures on the surface of your roof that contribute to ice dams.
Dexter Roof & Siding
16300 Luick Drive, Chelsea, MI 48118