Prevent Ice Dams to Avoid Roof Repair in Traverse City, MI
As Jack Frost begins to nip at your nose, it’s time to start thinking about how you can avoid costly roof repair in Traverse City, MI caused by ice dams this winter. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your roof safe in the coming months.
What are ice dams?
Ice dams are solid blocks of ice that form along the eaves of your roof and also in the gutters. They form when snow melts on your roof, caused by heat from your home, and the resulting water collects on the cold eaves. Since the eaves aren’t heated, the water will eventually refreeze. Another way ice dams form is just due to Mother Nature. On warmer, sunny days, the snow on your roof will undoubtedly begin to melt. The melting snow will flow down your roof and collect on the eaves and in the gutters. At night, the temperature will drop and freeze the water again.
Either way, ice dams are a big problem. A surefire way to tell you likely have an ice dam issue is when you see icicles hanging off the eaves of your house.
What damage do ice dams cause?
Ice dams can end up causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to both the inside and outside of your home. First, the heavy ice dams can rip gutters and paint right off your house. That’s not only unsightly, but will also be an expensive fix—and one that you won’t want to try to do alone in the cold winter. A bigger problem is when a heavy ice dam takes off siding or shingles. Missing shingles on your roof and siding from your house can cause water from melting snow to drip into your home and cause damage to your floors and interior walls.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of ice dams and even prevent them from forming in the first place.
How can I get rid of and prevent ice dams?
While getting up on a ladder and knocking off icicles and breaking up ice dams seems like a good idea, it can actually end up doing more harm than good. For one thing, you can easily slip and injure yourself. If you damage the gutter or roof with whatever tool you are using to break up the ice, you’ll need roof repair in Traverse City, MI because of your own foolish mistake.
Instead, if you notice ice dams forming, place a large fan in your attic, aimed at the ceiling. The cool air will either prevent the water from melting on the roof in the first place, or freeze the melting water before it can cause an ice dam. If you’re proactive, you can prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
Before the first snowfall of the year go to your local hardware store and buy heating cords and attach them with clips in a zigzag pattern along the eaves of your house. The heating cords will keep the outside of your house warm all winter and prevent ice dams from forming altogether.
If you’re experiencing problems related to ice dams, or any other issues involving your roof, get in touch with Qualified Roofing today.
Categorised in: Roof Repair