How to Prevent Ice Dams
November 2021 by Heartland Roofing Siding and Windows
The cold season in Minnesota can put your roof under pressure. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can be a cause of roof damage. Therefore, proper preparation for the cold season can help you protect your roof and keep everything in shape. While doing so, take the right measures to prevent ice dams and other causes of damages during winter. If you live here in Greater Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area, our experts at Heartland Roofing, Siding and Windows can help you prepare appropriately.
What is an Ice Dam?
Simply put, ice dams form on slanted roofs when the snow on the roof melts due to the heat from the attic. The cause of the ice dam could also be due to the warm attic, causing the water to trickle down.
Preventing Ice Dams
Since ice dams are caused by the melting ice, prevention involves keeping the roof cold. You can do this by ensuring proper insulation of the roof and ventilation of the attic. Check whether your attic is properly insulated and if any upgrades are needed to prevent ice dams from forming.
When upgrading the insulation, choose insulation materials with a high R-value to reduce loss of heat by condition. On the other hand, attic ventilation allows heated air to escape in a controlled manner. This helps in keeping the roof colder while reducing incidences of melting snow.
Importance of a Healthy Roof
The most effective way of preventing ice dams is having a healthy roof. This means ensuring that the roof is fully functional, and does not have any leaks or weak spots. If ice dams form on your roof, water builds up and starts to seep under shingles into the house. You can notice this if you see a large icicle or several small icicles hanging from the roof. You may also find ice in your downspouts or gutters, which causes the water to back up behind it and enter into the house.
How Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Windows Can Help
Winters surrounding Minnetonka are always cold, and your home has an increased risk of getting ice dams. At Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Windows, our experts help in protecting your roof from such menace. Give us a call today at (800) 681-4169 to schedule a roof inspection, and ensure that your roof is in good shape. Don’t let the cold season ruin your roof.