Ice Dam: What It Is and How To Prevent It

12/29/2018 (Permalink)

Ice dam in a Cincinnati, OH

An ice dam is a long rim of ice that forms along the edge of your roof and hinders the runoff of melting snow. These wintery monstrosities can cause a significant amount of damage and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. However, before you resolve the issue, it is necessary to understand the problem entirely.

Root Cause

The long bands of ice that form along the eaves of your roof are caused when melting snow is unable to flow off the roof before refreezing. This occurs because of heat loss and the fluctuating temperature along your roof. The peak of the roof is the warmest area because it sits directly above the living space. The edge of your roof is the coldest, usually the temperature of the outside, because it overhangs the structure of your home. This means the snow melts at the peak and then refreezes when it reaches the edge of the roof, causing ice bands to form.

Potential Damage

An ice dam can cause significant damage. From a roof leak and water damage to wet insulation and mold, dams can wreak havoc in the winter months. It is crucial to find the underlying cause of ice buildup on your roof to ensure that financial expenses are minimized.

Possible Solutions

There are a variety of solutions for ice buildup on your roof:

• Increased insulation
  
• Improved ventilation
  
• Reduced air leakage
  

The first thing to do before trying any possible solution is to have your roof inspected, ensuring the right solution is used. You can reach out to an emergency restoration company in the Cincinnati, OH, area for a quick inspection and recommended solutions.

An ice dam is beautiful, but so is a poison frog - and you don’t want any of those hanging around your property. Ice presents considerable risks to your home if left alone, so be sure to handle dams quickly, calling in assistance if needed.