The Dangers of Ice Damming

How to Keep Your Home Safe from Winter Leaks

Ice damming is a common issue that occurs during the winter months, especially in areas that receive a lot of snowfall. It occurs when snow on the roof melts and flows down to the edge of the roof, where it refreezes. This creates a dam of ice that prevents melting snow from flowing off the roof, which can lead to leaks in the house.

There are several factors that can contribute to ice damming. One of the main causes is poor insulation in the attic, which can cause the roof to become too warm and melt the snow on top. If the roofing or siding is old and in poor condition, it may also be more prone to ice damming.

To prevent ice damming, it is important to ensure that the attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This will help to regulate the temperature of the roof and prevent snow from melting and refreezing at the edge of the roof. It is also important to maintain the roof and siding, ensuring that they are in good condition and able to withstand the weight of snow and ice.

If you do experience ice damming, it is important to remove the ice as soon as possible. This can be done by using a roof rake to gently scrape the snow and ice off the roof. It is important to be careful when doing this, as the ice can be slippery and the roof may be fragile.

In conclusion, ice damming can be a major cause of leaks in a house during the winter months. It is important to take steps to prevent it, such as ensuring that the attic is properly insulated and ventilated and maintaining the roof and siding. If ice damming does occur, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to prevent leaks and damage to the house.