Ice Dams 101

We are sure that you have heard the term “ice dam” once or twice before in your life. It is essential for homeowners in climates where it snows to have proper knowledge of ice dams, what they are, what damage they cause, and how to prevent them. 

Luckily, the expert remediation team at Soil-Away is here to give you a complete Ice Dam 101; follow along!

What Are They?

An ice dam is a build-up of snow and ice that gather on the edge of your roof. They typically occur after a snowfall when the cold snow meets the warmth radiating from your attic. The heat causes the snow to melt, which causes water to run down to the edge of your roof, then refreezing and causing a mound of ice to form.

What Damage Do They Cause?

• Structural Damage:

Heavy ice dams can cause structural damage to the roof of your home. 

• Water Damage:

Water melting from the ice dams can seep into your roof, behind your shingles, and eventually into your insulation and ceiling! 

• Gutter Damage

Your gutters were never meant to hold the weight of icicles. Because they cannot hold the weight, they could end up bending or breaking. The long icicles formed can also cause damage to windows, landscape, or a person were they to fall. 

Not properly taking care of ice dams on your roof can lead to much more severe damage. 

How to Prevent Ice Dams

• Proper Insulation:

Adding insulation to your attic will help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Proper insulation will also help you keep heat inside and ultimately lower your heating costs. 

• Keep Gutters Clean

Making sure that your gutters are clean will ensure that there is not as much weighing down your gutters. 

• Contact Professionals

If ice dam forming is a common problem for you, be sure to call in expert help to ensure you keep the integrity of your roof and everyone inside your home safe. 

If you have damage to the inside of your property caused by an ice dam…Soil-Away has a team of water damage restoration experts ready to respond. Even in the worst of weather conditions, we have emergency services in order to best serve you and your home. Be sure to give us a call today or fill out our online contact form for more information!