Wisconsin homeowners, have you heard of ice dams? As your neighbors at Performance Exteriors & Contracting, we know they’re a common winter worry. These small formations can lead to major issues! We’ve created this guide to help you understand what ice dams are, how to prevent them, and what to do if they appear – so you can protect your home and your wallet.
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof, typically due to heat escaping from your attic or poorly insulated areas. This meltwater trickles down and refreezes when it reaches the colder eaves of your roof, creating a dam of ice. More melting snow gets trapped behind this dam, potentially leading to leaks and significant damage to your roof, walls, and even your home’s interior.
Signs Of Ice Dams
- Icicles forming along the eaves
- A visible buildup of ice on the roof
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Sagging gutters
Why Are Ice Dams A Problem?
Ice dams can cause a range of problems, including:
Leaky Roofs
Water trapped behind the ice dam can seep under shingles and into your attic or living space, causing leaks, ceiling stains, and structural damage.
Damaged Gutters
The weight of the ice dam can damage or even break your gutters.
Damaged Siding
Water can also back up and damage your siding.
Mold Growth
Leaks caused by ice dams can create the perfect environment for mold growth, which can be a health hazard.
How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?
Preventing ice dams is crucial. Here are some effective strategies:
Improve Insulation
Proper attic insulation is key. It helps prevent heat from escaping and melting snow on your roof. Adding more insulation and sealing air leaks can help. Here are some options:
Types Of Insulation
Blown-in insulation, fiberglass batts, and spray foam are common choices. A professional can recommend the best type for your home.
R-Value
R-value measures insulation’s effectiveness. Higher R-values provide better insulation. An energy audit can help determine the appropriate R-value for your attic.
Ventilate Your Attic
To prevent snow melt and damaging ice dams, your attic needs proper airflow. A balanced mix of intake and exhaust vents is key for regulating temperature and humidity.
Intake Vents
Soffit vents, located under the eaves, allow cool air to enter the attic.
Exhaust Vents
Ridge vents, along the peak of your roof, allow warm, moist air to escape. Gable vents and powered attic fans are other options.
Seal Air Leaks
Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and chimneys to prevent warm air from escaping into your attic.
Keep Gutters Clean
Clean your gutters in the fall to ensure they are free of debris that could contribute to ice dam formation.
Use a Roof Rake Carefully
A roof rake can be used to remove snow from the lower part of your roof, but be careful not to damage your shingles. This is a temporary solution and should be done cautiously.
What To Do If You Have Ice Dams
If you already have ice dams, it’s best to contact a local professional like us at Performance Exteriors & Contracting to inspect and assess the situation. From there, we’ll guide you on the best next steps. We offer the following services:
- Free Inspections & Estimates For Homeowners
- Roofing, Siding, And Gutter Replacements