Ice and snow are just a part of winter in our corner of the world, and though they do look pretty, they pose significant risks to our homes. But most homeowners aren’t aware of a winter problem that can destroy your roof while simultaneously giving mold a foothold in your attic or ceiling. This dangerous phenomenon is referred to as ‘ice damming,’ and they are incredibly dangerous. Ice dams may not be in the forefront of our minds, but once they strike, you’re in for a world of hurt.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a problem that is frequently seen on houses and buildings with slanted rooftops during the winter season. After a significant amount of snow accumulates on your roof, the snow can start to melt, sink down beneath the top layer of snow, and create a sheet of ice between fresh snowfalls and the surface of your roof. The snow that blankets the sheet of ice acts as an insulator that protects the ice dam from melting. If you’ve ever seen giant icicles form on your eves during the winter, you have seen this process in action. But what causes them in the first place? Well, ice dams can be caused by a several different factors such as heat escaping through your roof due to poor insulation. Also, ventilation mechanisms such as bathroom fans can also cause your roof to heat up and foster ice dams. As we all know, heat rises, and a warm roof can melt the snow just enough to cause a sheet of ice to form.
How is an Ice Dam Dangerous?
The most immediate problem caused by ice dams is cracks in your roof that lead to leaks. These leaks can damage your attic, walls, ceilings, and insulation. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, because even a small amount of moisture can cause mold to form. If you don’t catch a leak caused by ice dams in the winter months, come springtime you could have a full-blown outbreak of mold on your hands. In addition, ice dams can prevent water from properly draining from your roof, causing ancillary issues with your gutters and drains. And the best way to prevent ice dams in the first place is to make sure your roof stays cold. To ensure that your roof doesn’t heat up in the first place, your best plan of attack is making sure that your attic is properly insulated and that there aren’t any paths for heat to escape.
How to Seek Help After a Leak
If snow and ice have ravaged your home and you need help repairing water damage and preventing an outbreak of mold, contact Andrew Roto Services, Inc. It is crucial to seek help as soon as you notice a moisture problem or water spots on your ceiling, so contact us today to stop a small problem from snowballing into massive damages.
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