Damn that Ice Dam: This is How You Prevent Ice Dams from Forming

Damn that Ice Dam: This is How You Prevent Ice Dams from Forming

Ice Dam Removal in MinnesotaYou can easily prevent severe damage to the integrity of your roofing and consequently, your home’s interior, if you can minimize the possibility of an ice dam forming on your roof and eliminating it as soon as it appears. An ice dam develops when water coming from melted snow freezes up again in your roofline’s edges. When the ice dam grows big enough, it could prevent water from properly draining. It will then back up beneath your roof shingles and then seep into the interior of your home.

Preventing the Development of Ice Dams

Remove snow buildup from the roof following every snowstorm, RTD Ice Dam Removal suggests. Utilize a sturdy roof for raking snow starting from the roof’s edges and upwards of up to three or four feet. This not only helps prevent ice dam formation, but also reduces the stress on the roof. The total amount of ice and snow that your roof can take is dependent on several factors, which include your roof’s material, its overall condition, and age. However, it’s a good idea to remove ice and snow buildup before it becomes a foot deep.

In addition, you should also clear the downspouts to ensure that ice and snow properly drains off the roof. This also aids in ensuring that standing water won’t accumulate close to the downspouts.

Long-Term Tips to Prevent Ice Dam Development

First off, you must ensure that your attic is well insulated to aid in preventing the melt and freeze cycle that typically results in the formation of ice dams. Inspect and properly seal off locations where warm air can potentially seep from your home and into your attic. These locations include exhaust fans, vent pipes, lighting fixtures, attic hatches, and chimneys. You should likewise consider adding a water-repellent protective membrane beneath your roof shingles. This will help in creating an additional protective layer to prevent water from leaking inside your home.

In the event that you notice that an ice dam has already formed on your roof and you don’t have a DIY bone in your body, better leave the job to the pros. Look for insured companies that uses proper tools for ice dam removal. Likewise, according to an ice dam removal specialist in Minnesota, opt for companies that use steamers instead of power washers because although you’ll save money upfront, you also risk damage to your home with improper use of washers.

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