It’s already October, which means it won’t be long before the world is transformed from a world of autumn splendor into a dazzling winter wonderland. And while there’s nothing as breathtaking as the Michigan landscape covered in glistening snow and ice, the roof damage done by ice dams can be anything but lovely.
At J&J Roofing, we work every day to undo the damage done by winter weather and ice dams, and we know better than most the value of protecting your roof from ice and snow. In this blog post, our residential roofers are breaking down the basics of ice dam prevention for your Michigan home. To get your home ready for the coming winter, give us a call today.
The Trouble With Ice Dams
During the snowy winter months, snow can build up on your roof. But as heat from within your home rises, if your insulation is inadequate, it will eventually cause that snow to start melting. Once the snow begins to melt, it will begin to drain to the cold edge of your roof where it refreezes.
This newly-frozen meltwater will begin to create a rim that grows into an ice dam, which functions exactly as any dam would, limiting water flow from your roof. When the water on your roof is unable to drain through your gutter system, it flows back up onto your roof where it can seep into your attic and roof underlayment. This can lead to roof damage and moisture infiltration into your home.
These are just a few of the problems that ice dams can lead to:
- Sagging ceilings
- Peeling paint
- Damaged siding
- Wet and damaged insulation
- Warped structure
- Ceiling stains
- Mold and mildew growth
- Loose or missing shingles
- Broken gutters
- Foundation damage
Removing Ice Dams
Once your roof has accumulated ice dams, they can be difficult to remove. Never try to chip away at ice dams since that’s a good way to seriously damage your roof and cause personal injury. Some homeowners will add salt, but this can damage your siding, roof, and landscape.
Blasting your attic ceiling with a box fan is worth a try since it may cause the meltwater to refreeze. You can also rake the snow before it melts using a long-handled roof rake.
Preventing Ice Dams in Michigan
The best way to protect your roof from ice dams is to prevent them altogether. These are the most important steps you can take to protect your roof from ice dams:
- Make sure your roof flashing is in good condition.
- Insulate and seal your ducts.
- Have your roof ventilation checked.
- Invest in high-performance insulation.
Now is the best time to get ahead of ice dams this year. Get your free online consultation or schedule your roof inspection or schedule your insulation upgrades by calling 586-445-6455 or contact a residential roofer online today.