Ice damming, a problem caused by cold weather, can cause significant damage to your home. This article will help you understand what causes ice damming, and how to avoid it so that your home stays in good condition year-round.
Many homeowners think ice dams are caused by a roofing problem, but they’re actually a result of heated air escaping through your attic and melting the snow on your roof. That’s why it’s important to keep your roof properly insulated and air sealed.
Insulation is a must for preventing ice dams and other roof-related issues, including roof leaks. The best insulation for your home is a well-insulated, high-quality product that’s also designed to work with your house’s specific climate and style.
It’s also important to keep your eavestrough and downspouts clear of leaves, debris, and dirt, so that melted snow can drain effectively. While this may seem like a hassle, it’s an essential step to keeping your home protected from serious damage from ice damming.
A professional gutter cleaning service such as Gutter Cleaning Chesterfield will not only clean your gutters, but they’ll check them for clogs, and shingles that need replacing and other repairs as well. This type of company will save you time and money in the long run because they’ll take care of these tasks for you.
Another way to protect your home from ice damming is to install a roof-top solar heating system that’s designed to capture and retain the heat from the sun. These systems provide a great alternative to a traditional space heater or furnace, and they can reduce your energy bills significantly as well.
Other common ways to prevent ice dams are to insulate your roof and soffit, and to add a breathable membrane that can absorb excess heat from your home’s attic. If you have recessed ceiling lights or folding stair openings that allow warm air to escape through your attic, these need to be properly insulated as well.
Some homeowners try to melt their ice dams by placing pantyhose filled with calcium chloride pellets in the middle of the dam. This method can work if the ice isn’t too thick, but it’s not always effective.
Using a garden hose and a hot water tap to melt ice is also an option. However, if you have a large ice dam, it might be better to call an expert for assistance.
Don’t try to chip away at an ice dam with a hammer or chisel, because this can lead to further damage and even more extensive repair work. And don’t throw salt on the ice because it’s not only bad for your roofing, but it can harm your plants too.
Ice dams are a common problem that can occur on your home’s roof during winter weather, and they can cause significant damage to your property if you don’t fix them quickly. But don’t let them scare you!
