It's winter in Ohio, which means everything from ice to sleet to snow to rain, and maybe a wind chill advisory for good measure. With all the various things that can happen here in winter, it may create some unwanted situations on your roof, such as ice dams. Read more about them below!
What are ice dams?
Ice dams are a section of ice and snow that chill, literally, at the edge of your roof. A buildup of ice can create a blockage that prevents snow from melting adequately off your roof. Because of this blockage, the melting snow sometimes seeps into your house and creates wet spots on your walls and ceilings. No good!
How do they form?
When snow melts off your roof, it is supposed to drip down into your gutter. But, if your attic isn't properly insulated or ventilated, as the snow melts, it can re-freeze as ice at the edge of the roof. This happens when the temperature of the attic is lower at the edge of the roof than it is higher up where the snow was melting. If it's low enough at the edge of the roof that the water is able to re-freeze and not drip into the gutter, it creates the ice dam.
How can they be prevented?
Ice dams may make it seem like there is a roof leak, especially if you see evidence of water intrusion in your home as a result. To prevent ice dams from forming, however, it actually requires someone who handles attic insulation to assess how to best insulate your attic in order to prevent ice dams. It could also require additional ventilation to let air escape the attic. Copeland can provide an estimate to increase ventilation for your attic, but the best first step is to ensure the insulation is up to par. You don't want to go cutting holes in your roof or soffit if an issue can be solved by adding insulation to the attic space.
We wish you a cozy and safe winter: free of ice dams, leaks, and wind chill advisories!