Raking snow in your yard isn’t the only thing you need to worry about in winter. Cold temperatures plus the heavy snow buildup may take a toll on your roof. It may lead to the formation of ice dams, which is a more serious problem.
What’s an ice dam anyway?
Experts from RTD Ice Dam Removal note that ice dams occur when a huge pile of snow melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge. These cause heavy leaks, mold growth and other damages at home. That’s why it’s important to prevent them early by knowing the following signs:
Home’s History
Your home will most likely have ice dams if it used to have heavy ice buildup and leaks in the past. The risk is higher if your roof looks as if it’s in dire need of repairs. For instance, a poorly maintained gutter system may cause ice dams since it can’t cause ice water to flow down from the roof.
Leaks and stains
Leaks, stains and bubbles in your walls and windows may indicate ice dam formation. Water flows down your home since the ice is blocking the roof’s edge. You may also want to look for attic air leaks since these may contribute to ice dams.
Heavy ice formation
Icicles aren’t a cause for alarm unless these are larger and thicker. The bigger they are, the more likely they’ll become ice dams. If you see them in your roof’s edge and gutter, you might want to clean them up before winter starts.
Dealing with the icy buildup
Early maintenance will help prevent ice dams. Clean your gutters before winter comes. Seal heat sources and insulate your attic properly so these won’t melt the ice. Remove the snow off the roof if ice dams begin to form.
But if your home already has ice dams, hacking them off may be your only option. Use ice pick or an ax for small ice dams. Blowtorch, salt filled pantyhose and steam also work well in removing bigger ice buildups. Try roof tablets and heat cables if you don’t want the hassle of removing ice dams manually.
Ice dams can cause costly consequences at home if you let them be. Knowing the signs and solutions will help you remove the icy buildup before bad things happen.