The Dangers Of Ice Dams To Your Roof (What You Should Know)

The main concern with ice damming is how it can damage your roof. Ice melts and refreezes throughout winter causing a buildup of snow, sleet, rainwater, etc. on the roof which over time causes structural issues to homes.

As well as this there are other dangers associated with ice dams such as:

  • Icicles falling from roofs and harming people or property
  • Ice dams can damage gutters and downpipes which result in water leakage into your home.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned issues it is important to call a professional contractor as soon as possible, such as Gutter Medics. We employ some of the best contractors on our team who are trained in how to remove them safely from homes. This will prevent further damages and ensure that they don’t return next season.

However, if an emergency does arise we also offer 24-hour emergency service so no matter what time you need us we’ll be there for you! If you’re looking at how to prevent ice dams then read our blog post: How To Get Rid Of Ice Dams: Prevention And Fast Fixes. Where we discuss how ice dams can form and how to prevent them.

We also offer both gutter cleaning and cleaning services so if you need any repairs or new gutters installed we’ll be more than happy to help. When the temperature dips below freezing, ice dams are a common occurrence for many homes. They can lead to water damage and other issues if they go unchecked. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can prevent ice damming on roofs and how to remove them safely when they do happen. To find out if our services suit your goals, you can see the reviews on our website.

In addition, we will give you some tips about how you can get in touch with Gutter Medics who specialize in ice dam removal near me!

Want to know more about Gutter Medics? Click About Us.

Check out our website and see our other services and give us a call today! (630) 922-3131

We Remove Ice Dams Safely From Homes And Offer Other Services
We Remove Ice Dams Safely From Homes And Offer Other Services

Ice Dams Can Damage Your House And Roof

Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to your home. If you live in an area where ice builds up on the roof, you must understand how it can affect your house and what precautions you should take.

The first thing to know is how they form. They occur when the snow melts from the heat of the sun hitting your roof and then refreezes at night as it runs down toward gutters. Ice dams in gutters are blocked with frozen snow or leaves, causing water buildup behind them which expands into icicles under pressure from more melting. 

This process will continue until there’s no more sunlight or warmth left for the melted snow to hold onto or until someone comes along and removes all of this excess water by the hand-making way for a new cycle to begin.

If you require Snow Removal From The Roof, then give us a call now!

The most dangerous part is how this can damage your roof and house. When the water runs down it will freeze when it reaches a lower surface that’s cold, such as an air vent or eave troughs. 

If there are any gaps in these gutters then you’re likely going to have further problems with ice dams forming which could cause even more damage than just broken shingles on your roof! 

The reason for this is because they create reservoirs of melted snow under them that refreeze into icicles at night, pulling away from where they were attached causing sagging spots along the edge of your roof which results in leaks inside of your home.

To keep yourself warm in the cold, you turn up the heating in your house. Now the entire house is warm, even the ceilings. Over time, even the outside of these warm ceilings becomes warm. However, the outside is covered in ice and snow. 

A warm ceiling causes the layer directly in contact with it to melt and convert to water. Flowing towards the slope, the water drains away. This is how the roof of the house is constructed.

In contrast, when the flowing water reaches the edge of the slope, it is again exposed to freezing temperatures and freezes. Consequently, the rest of the water is trapped under the sheet of snow. The water may also freeze into ice. 

The Phenomenon Of Ice Damming

The phenomenon is known as ice damming. Snow forms a dam of ice and water. The lack of an outlet to this water causes it to seep into the house over time, destroying the ceiling, walls, gutters, attic, etc. It has also been known to damage shingles, insulation, and floors. 

This is also known to form and slowly damage the house. The melting points of snow can be seen on the houses in your neighborhood when it is snowing. The temperatures of the roofs vary greatly when it snows. These houses have more dangerous ice dams when there are more icicles.

This is how ice dams can damage your house and roof. If you want to prevent this from happening, make sure that the gutters are clear of leaves or other debris so they aren’t blocked up with frozen water and if there’s a gap in them, take care of it immediately! 

The best way to do this would be to call the right company with Gutter Medics which specializes in getting rid of ice dams near you. Knowing how dangerous ice melts for the roofs are and what these things are will help ensure that nothing happens to your home when winter comes around again.

How To Get Rid Of Ice Dams: Prevention And Fast Fixes
How To Get Rid Of Ice Dams: Prevention And Fast Fixes

Ice Damming Prevention

Ice dams are a common problem during the winter and can cause some serious damage to your roof. If you’re not familiar with them, ice dams are created when snow on your roof melts, runs down the slope of the roof and refreezes at the edge of the roof where it meets the gutter or eave. 

This causes a build-up of ice which can eventually lead to water infiltration and leaks in your home. It is possible to remove ice dams before any damage occurs. Taking snow off the roof must first be done. 

It eliminates the water that turns into ice when it melts and refreezes. If you use a roof rake incorrectly, you might damage your roof, so use a broom or a roof brush instead. When melted snow is flowing into your home, you can create channels to allow the ice dams to drain off the roof during an emergency. 

How To Prevent Further Ice Damming On Roofs

On a day when temperatures are above freezing, you can use a water hose to create channels and allow the melted water to flow off your roof, preventing further ice buildup and protecting your interior from water damage. Nonetheless, you should clean out your ice dams as soon as possible since they will only function for a few days.

Summer may be just around the corner, but winter will surely return. Now you can prepare for the harshest winters Chicago can bring you if you plan appropriately for your roof. 

There Are Several Things You Can Do To Prevent Ice Dams From Forming:

  • Make sure your attic is well insulated – this will help keep the heat from escaping and melting the snow on your roof.
  • Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris so that melted snow can drain properly.
  • Install roof ventilation to allow the warm air in your attic to escape.

If You Already Have An Ice Dam, There Are A Few Things You Can Do To Remove It:

  • Pour hot water over the ice dam to melt it and allow the water to run off the roof.
  • Use a roof rake to break up the ice and clear a path for the water to run off.
  • Call a professional ice dam removal company.

Immediately contact an Ice Dam Removal Near Me! We will be waiting for your call!

Prevention is key when it comes to those pesky dams! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to averting any damage they may cause. If you already have an ice dam, don’t worry there are ways to get rid of it.

The ice dams will be prevented from penetrating the house with water. It is also recommended that you extend the eaves protective margin beyond the 1m recommended in usual circumstances if there is extreme ice in your area. A professional can ensure a stress-free winter without ice dams forming and causing damage to your house.

As you’ve read, this can be a costly problem for homeowners. Not only are they dangerous to your roof, but the cost of repairs is not cheap either. If this sounds like something that could happen to you or someone you know, it might be time to call Gutter Medics! Our team offers competitive rates and excellent service all year round.

Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about our services! (630) 922-3131

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