How To Prevent Ice Dams From Damaging Your Home
As another New England winter fast approaches, many homeowners begin to worry if their home can safely withstand the harsh elements. While the fresh fall snow on your roof might look picturesque, without the proper safeguards, that snow may be doing more damage than you think. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients this time of year is how to prevent ice dams. Let’s dive in…
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. When temperatures fluctuate between your home and the air, melting and freezing can occur simultaneously causing water to become backed up behind the frozen dam. This water can then leak into your home causing water damage to your walls, ceilings and insulation. And as we know, water damage can lead to other problems such as mold and mildew, which is a health hazard for you and your family.
Two Ways to Prevent Ice Dams:
- Thoroughly clean all leaves and debris from your home’s gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are clogged you run a great risk of trapping water and snow. That water and snow can build up, refreeze, and lead to ice dams.
- Ensure proper insulation and ventilation in your attic.
Houses with proper attic and roof ventilation and insulation are the first line of defense against ice dams. Having cool air circulate in your attic space just below the roof surface helps prevent the melting of the snow.
There are numerous factors to consider when planning to properly ventilate and insulate your roof. Roof layout, shape and home insulation values are just a few areas that should be carefully calculated and constructed to ensure your roof is done right.
“One of the most important factors in preventing ice dams is ensuring adequate ventilation of the attic to minimize warmer air being trapped in the attic causing the snow to melt and refreeze creating the dam. If ice dams are a problem for you, you’ll want to make sure whoever installed your roof provided sufficient amounts of ice and water shielding to ensure that no moisture can seep into your attic and cause a major headache.” says Scott owner of Bruin Remodeling Group.
Work with Our Expert Team!
At Bruin Remodeling Group, we understand New England like no other. We are a fully licensed, GAF Certified Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor. We are committed to making your roof replacement as smooth and effortless as possible.
Take advantage of our limited-time 0% APR for up to 24 months or up to 15% off* financing option, a high-quality roof has never been more affordable! Give us a call today to connect with our team and learn how to get your home and roof winter-ready!
*Financing is subject to approval through GreenSky, rules & restrictions apply, may not be combined with other savings, valid on initial visit only, other restrictions may apply. Contact a Bruin product specialist for complete details, offer expires xx/xx/2024.
*Plan 6124. Subject to credit approval. Loan term is 24 months at fixed rate of 0.00% APR. For example, assuming the full credit limit is used on loan approval date, for every $1,000 financed at 0% APR, 24 monthly payments of $41.67. This example is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts based on amount and timing of purchases. Call 866-936-0602 for financing costs and terms. Financing for the GreenSky® consumer loan program is provided by Equal Opportunity Lenders. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Bank USA. NMLS #1416362. Loans originated by Goldman Sachs are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. NMLS #208156. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
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