There are two main causes of this kind of temperature imbalance:
- Poor attic insulation. Insufficient or deteriorated attic insulation can allow warm air to move from the heated areas of the house to the attic space.
- Lack of proper attic ventilation. Properly balanced attic ventilation helps slow snow melting by allowing cold air to enter the attic space, in turn driving out warmer air. This reduction in warm attic air helps decrease the chance of snow melting on the roof.
Why are ice dams a problem?
Almost all roofing materials are designed to shed water. As ice melts and refreezes, it can damage the shingles and other parts of the roof system. And when a growing ice dam pushes water back up the roof slope, that water may flow under the shingles and penetrate into the roof system or house below. That’s why our experts recommend a layer of strong protection with a leak barrier. These products help prevent leaks due to water backing up in your gutters, wind-driven rain, and, of course, damaging ice dams. They are self-adhering membranes that seal around fasteners and other protrusions in the roof, helping to protect the most vulnerable areas of your roof against leaks.
What can I do about ice dams?
Here are 3 steps you can take to prevent ice damming this winter:
- Remove snow from the roof. Depending on the size and accessibility of your roof, you can use an extendable snow roof rake to (carefully) pull fresh snow off the roof before the melt-and-freeze cycle even begins. Snow and ice removal can be dangerous work, though, and if done improperly you might risk injury to your shingles – or more importantly – yourself! We strongly encourage you to engage the services of our professionals to assist with snow and ice removal.
- Ventilate. Ensure you have a properly-balanced attic ventilation system that allows fresh air to continuously move through the attic space under your roof. To find out how much ventilation you should have, call our experts or use this ventilation calculator.
- Insulate. Proper attic insulation will do more than prevent ice dams; it can also help reduce your heating costs by keeping warm air in your living space, where it belongs
Proudly serving homeowners in Indianapolis and surrounding communities, Expert Restoration Service is a roofer and general contractor. Rest at ease with your budget, we offer financing that can help to open your options. If we can be of service or to get started on your project today, call 317.643.1207 or book online now.
Prayers for a happy, successful, and blessed year!