Did you know ice dams are one of the leading causes of interior damage to homes? The scary part about ice dams is that you often won’t notice their damage until it’s too late! Ice dams have the potential not only can harm your roof, but your gutters, paint, insulation and interior drywall.
While some ice dams are small in nature, the most damaging ones can weigh hundreds of pounds. Being proactive about preventing ice build-up is the first step to preventing ice dam problems that can cause unwanted moisture in your home, such as the growth of mold and mildew. Here are some ways you can prevent ice dams and protect your home:
Improve ventilation by closing attic bypasses.
When it comes to ice dam prevention, proper ventilation plays a major role. With most heat often being lost through your home’s ceiling into the attic, it’s important to rectify unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks of light fixtures or plumbing pipes. Taking action to prevent air leaks will allow for better insultation and reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming while reducing your heating and air conditioning bills.
Rake snow off roof after a heavy snowfall.
After a heavy snowfall, one of your best and most simple defenses against ice dams is a long-handled snow rake. As long as you’re careful not to damage your shingles (or hurt yourself in the process), raking snow off your roof after a major snowfall will prevent ice dams from forming at their source. Although you should never climb on your roof, you may be able to chip away some ice by hand if you’re able to reach the eaves on a ladder.
Hire a roofing professional.
Preventing and removing ice dams can be tedious and sometimes dangerous work, which is why hiring a professional is advisable in many situations. A professional roofer will be able to remove your ice dams with special equipment to safely melt ice from your roof and prevent severe damage before it becomes problematic. Your roof will also work with you on identifying and implementing long-term solutions to prevent ice dam issues in the future.
Solve Your Roofing Challenges with AVA
Are you struggling with ice dams on your home? Contact AVA Roofing and let our team resolve your roofing challenges this winter.