Ice dam Prevention 101: Protect Your Home During The Winter

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help you combat water damage this winter season!

Ice dams can form on your home's roof during winter, leading to water damage and other costly repairs.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties have seen firsthand the damage that can occur when ice dams form, and we want to help you prevent this costly problem. If not addressed quickly, ice dams can leave a property with water damage and mold problems.

When you notice an ice dam problem, it is best to take action as soon as possible by calling the professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties. We can help diagnose the root cause of the problem and recommend a specific plan of action to prevent future occurrences.

But you can take action before the ice dams appear—preventive measures that will help keep your home safe during the winter months. The following blog post will discuss some of the most effective prevention techniques to help you avoid ice dams and protect your home from water damage.

What are ice dams?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, often along the gutter. The dammed-up water behind the ice causes melting water to back up under the roof’s shingles and leak into the home. Ice dams can also lead to roof damage and other costly repairs.

The most common cause of ice dams is poor insulation and ventilation of the roof. For example, if your attic is not well insulated, the warm air will escape through the roof and cause the snow on the roof to melt. This melted snow will then run down the roof and refreeze at the cold edge, forming an ice dam.

Other factors contributing to ice dams include changes in surface temperature (such as from a sunny day) and improper drainage.

How to prevent ice dams from forming?

You can do several things to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Here are some of the most effective techniques:

• Make sure your attic is adequately insulated. Installing insulation in the attic can help keep warm air from escaping and melting snow on your roof.
• Ensure that your roof is adequately ventilated. Proper ventilation will allow cold outside air to enter, which helps keep the roof's temperature consistent and prevents snow from melting too quickly.
• Use a quality de-icing product on the roof edges. These products are designed to prevent ice dams from forming by breaking up the frozen water and allowing it to flow away.
• Remove snow from the roof edge when necessary. Removing some of it from the edges of your roof may be required to prevent ice dams from forming if you're dealing with large amounts of snow.

Following these prevention techniques can help keep your home safe and protected during winter. Call a storm damage restoration company for assistance if you are dealing with an ice dam issue.

How the professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties can help

At SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties, we understand how damaging ice dams can be and are committed to helping you protect your home from water damage. Our team of experts can diagnose the cause of the problem and provide tailored solutions to help prevent future occurrences.

We specialize in various services, such as roof insulation, attic ventilation, and de-icing products, to ensure your home is protected from winter weather damage. We also provide emergency services to help with water removal and repairs after an ice dam has occurred.

We're here for you 24/7, so don't hesitate to call us if you need assistance with preventing or dealing with ice dams. Our team of experts is here to help you keep your home safe and protected during the winter months. Contact us today for more information.