The Warning Signs Of Ice Damming
Ice dams form at the edge of roofs when ice accumulates. Ice and snowmelt are prevented from flowing through your gutters and out of your downspouts when they accumulate in them. It is a sign of an ice dam forming on your roof if you notice large icicles forming on your home’s corners or gutters. Once the melted snow has worked its way down the roof, the dam will continue to grow.
Ice Damming On Roof
As the dam gets bigger, the water will end up trapped behind the dam, thus becoming part of the dam instead of freezing and becoming part of it. If there are cracks in the roof, this water will seep in and flood your house. The sooner you do something about them, the less likely they are to turn into large walls of ice that can damage your gutters, roof, and more.
Gutter Medics can help you identify and correct these problems before they turn into a much bigger headache. We at Gutter Medics offer a Clogged Gutter Repair Service, Clogged Gutters Replacement Services, and Leaky Roof Repairs. To find out if our services suit your goals, you can read our reviews to find out what our clients are talking about!
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Ice dam leaking in the house is a common problem in the winter. Clogged gutters and ice dams are usually the results of cold weather. Ice buildup on roofs is a big problem that can cause damage to clogged gutters.
Roofing and gutters are always a top priority when the winter season rolls around. Among many problems caused by clogged gutters, ice dams are one of them. In most cases, ice dams occur on roofs that have more than one layer and/or several air pockets between shingles. However, they have also been reported on asphalt roofs. The same way that clogged gutters cause water to back up, ice dams can cause leaks into your home.
Ice damming is a term that many people may not be familiar with, and one that can cause significant problems for homeowners. When rain falls on an area covered in snow or ice, it freezes to the surface instead of running off into the gutter system. This causes water to back up behind the blockage causing clogs in your gutters, as well as ice to build up in gutters which could lead to more serious complications such as frozen pipes or burst hoses.
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Ice Dam Warning Signs
1. Interior Water Damage
You may experience water seeping into your home as a result of an ice dam. You should check your roof if you notice any signs of damage that could cause “Ice Dam Leaking In House.” Clogged gutters will also allow too much water to accumulate on your roof. Gutters that are clogged or damaged can lead to significant damage inside your home, including warped floors and ceilings if not addressed immediately.
2. Ice On The Exterior Walls
You may be experiencing ice dams in unusual places, such as exterior walls, behind siding, or behind the soffit. The water that backs up on the roof eaves can seep into the roof and behind surfaces and freeze again. This is most noticeable in warm weather when water stains appear on the roof.
3. Drainage Problems
If your gutters do not drain, you may have ice dams that cause the water to back up on your roof. Leaving it unchecked can allow water to seep into the structure, or cause the roof to freeze and rot.
4. Ice Forms At Roof/Gutter Edges
The presence of ice dams can be determined by the presence of icicles. A buildup of icicles at the edge of your gutter indicates that water is not draining properly. If these icicles block the Roofing And Gutters, you may experience damage. Clogged gutters will also allow water to freeze and back up on the roof. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which are harmful to houses as well as causing substantial damage inside your house.
Getting Rid Of Ice Dams
Heated Cables
Ice dams can be effectively avoided by installing heated cables, which essentially prevent them from forming in the first place. Alternatively, heated cables are the next best option if you don’t have the time or money to get your roof repaired. You can line them up vertically on the roof in a zigzag pattern before the snowfalls.
Witness the process of melting snow before it can freeze and create ice dams. The cables can be attached to the roof with clips. One small drawback is that you have to put them on before snowfalls.
Blow Cool Air Through Your Attic
During the winter, the heat from your roof melts snow on your roof, which slides down it to reach the cold, unheated eaves and edges of your roof, where it refreezes under the shingles and this causes “Roof Ice Melt.” If your roof has ice dams, you can point fans directly at where they originate. This is a great, non-harmful way to deal with them. Keeping the underside of the roof cool prevents snow from melting and ice dams from forming in the first place.
Rake It Up
As another preventative measure, remove snow from your roof before it has a chance to melt to prevent ice dams. A little manual labor is required on your part, but it’s a small price to pay if it means keeping your roof in good condition. You can prevent ice dams from forming on your roof by raking snow off it, but you have to take care.
Use a rake made specifically for removing snow from roofs, and take care not to damage the shingles in the process. Usually, roof rakes have wheels so they won’t damage shingles, and are long enough to pull snow from the ground while keeping your hands safe. You won’t have to worry about ice dams as long as you get out there after the snowfall.
Calcium Chloride De-Icer
Ice dams can be melted more drastically by de-icing your roof after they’ve already formed. Nevertheless, you should protect any plants below the gutters if you use calcium chloride to deice your roof. That’s because the chemical will kill plants when they’re exposed to it.
If you need help, give us a call right now at (630) 922-3131 or schedule an appointment so we may inspect the problem!
Ice Build Up In Gutters
A primary cause of ice dams is improper roof ventilation. The moisture in the air inside your home condenses when it hits the cold roof, creating a layer of ice. Once the ice has melted, it runs down the roof under the shingles and freezes again at the edge where the gutter meets the roof.
The most effective way of preventing ice dams is to make sure your attic is well-ventilated. This can be achieved by installing enough roof vents, which will allow warm air to escape and keep the roof cool. The amount of insulation in your attic might mean you don’t need as many roof vents.
Ice Dam Protection
The formation of ice dams is a common problem during the winter. Snowmelt from the roof melts causing water to run down the edge and create ice dams. When your home does not have enough heat to melt the snow on your roof, the snow will freeze and create an ice dam.
When you have an ice dam on your roof, the water will not drain off, so it backs up under the shingles. The excess moisture coming through your ceiling and walls can cause serious damage inside your home. There is no place for melted snow to drain, so clogged gutters are another problem due to an ice dam. Besides water damage to your siding, foundations, and landscaping, clogged gutters can also cause problems with falling ice chunks from your roof when it melts.
Fascia Gutter Guards are the best way to keep your gutters clog-free and stop ice damming. The guards fit over your gutters and deflect debris away from the gutter while also allowing water to flow through. This prevents any build-up of ice, which can lead to serious roof damage.
You should call a professional like Gutter Medics to get rid of ice dams if they have formed in your home this winter, or make sure that there is enough heat escaping your house for the snow on your roof to melt before it forms an ice dam.
There are a few warning signs that indicate your roof may be at risk of ice damming. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call in the professionals for help before water damage becomes an issue. We promise our team will do whatever they can to get rid of those pesky icicles and prevent them from causing more problems on your property.
Ice damming can be a dangerous, costly experience if it is not dealt with quickly. If you notice any of these warning signs or have concerns about ice dams on your property, contact us for more information and to schedule an inspection.
Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about our services! (630) 922-3131