An ice dam can form on the roof's edge when it's cold outside. This can cause icicles to form that can look very beautiful. However, the ice dam is actually damaging to your roof and is something you do not want. It's important to know why ice dams form so you can prevent this problem from occurring, and you must also know when you'll need a roofing contractor to repair your roof.
The Consequences of Ice Dams
Ice dams can cause damage to a roof and also damage gutters. The dam can cause leaks as well and this can result in more extensive moisture-related damage to your roof and the rest of your home. This is because the ice dam causes water to back up. There are fortunately many ways that you can prevent an ice dam from forming.
While having adequate ventilation is beneficial to your roof, it is not enough to stop ice dams. You will also need a great roof layout and you'll need to eliminate air leaks that can contribute to the formation of ice dams.
Why a Warm Roof Can Cause Ice Dams
You might think that having a warm roof will prevent ice dams from forming since it will melt the ice. However, a cold roof simply allows the snow to sit on your roof. When the roof is warm, only small sections of the snow will melt, and this can cause the melted water to later freeze and cause ice dams to form. You can prevent a warm roof by making sure it has adequate ventilation.
How to Save Your Roof
The ice dam can lead to leaks and cause your home to experience extensive water damage. If the ice dam becomes bad enough, you will want to contact a roofing contractor who has experience with correcting the damage that results from an ice dam.
In the worst-case scenario, you'll need to have a damaged portion of the roof removed and replaced. The roofing contractor will need to make sure that the damaged roof doesn't collapse. Then, they will need to replace both the interior and exterior roofing. Once the portion of the roof that is damaged has been replaced, a coat of paint is then applied to protect the roof from moisture.
Once your roof has been fully restored by a professional roofing contractor, the next step will be to clean up any water damage that has resulted from the roof becoming damaged by the ice dam. Then, your home can be fully restored.
For more information, reach out to local roofing contractors, such as Rapid Roofers.
Share14 September 2022
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
