How To Prevent Ice Dams
We may only be a short while into fall, but don’t get complacent; winter is already on its way! Every season brings a new host of problems that your home could potentially face, and the upcoming season is no exception. However, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent these problems from occurring! Ice dams are a significant wintertime issue that could cost a lot to repair if you aren’t prepared for them. We’ll show you how to prevent ice dams before they start forming to save you the hassle!
What Are Ice Dams?
You should have a good understanding of what ice dams are before you go about the business of preventing them. Ice dams form when the snow melts. The resulting water runs toward the edge of your roof, where it refreezes and forms icicles. These can be an absolute pain to remove on your own, as these ice dams will likely interfere with the structure of your roof and rain gutter system. The best way to get rid of ice dams is to stop them from forming in the first place.
Controlling Your Attic’s Temperature
One of the most common causes of ice dams forming is the temperature that your attic is kept at. Believe it or not, it greatly affects how the snow melts! Keeping your attic warm during the winter months means that the roof will be heated as a result, allowing snow to melt faster and flow off your roof. The edges being colder are what led to ice dams forming in the first place. To prevent ice dams, keep your attic cold during the winter. Snow won’t have as big of an opportunity to melt on the roof and form these pesky icicles.
Closing Attic Holes
Did you know that holes in your attic can contribute to ice dams forming? Heat is lost through these holes, getting through to your roof as a result. Holes in the wall from insulation, cracks in light fixtures, and gaps in drywall are all places where heat can escape. By closing up these attic bypasses, you give heat less of an opportunity to infiltrate your roof and melt the snow on top of it. Exercise caution by wearing a mask and padded clothing to prevent irritations caused by moving the insulation around.
Get Rid of Water Damage after Ice Dams With Soil Away
Ice dams can be a pesky problem to get rid of, but Soil Away offers a quick and efficient solution to this issue! We have decades of experience eliminating the water, fire and mold damage that can occur around your home, and ice dams are no exception. We’ll make the problem disappear to improve the health of your home and save you money on energy costs. If you’re experiencing a disaster with your home, contact us today to alleviate the burden with our disaster relief services!
