Ice dams form when the snow on your roof melts, and the water collects along the eaves. The eaves do not warm up as much as the rest of the roof, so the water can collect there and refreeze into a thick sheet of ice. Ice dams are harmful to your roof, shingles, and gutters. Water trapped behind the ice dam can travel underneath the shingles on your roof and flow into your home. This can cause extensive and expensive water damage to your ceiling, walls, rugs, and possessions.
Whenever enough snow accumulates on your roof, you are at risk for ice dams. However, there are two main strategies to prevent ice dams and minimize any major damage they might cause.
Install A Protective
Ice And Water Barrier
Northeast Home & Energy installs 6 feet of ice and water shield for roof replacements to better protect your home’s exterior against ice dams. Depending on where you live and how old your home is, this protective membrane may need to extend at least 2 feet inside the heated wall space of a house.
Keep Your Roof Cold
If your roof stays cold, the snow won’t melt all at once, increasing the likelihood of ice dam formation. However, you can keep your roof cold by blocking air leaks in your attic. To do this, you will have to pull back the attic insulation and block any leaks with caulking or foam. This keeps your roof evenly cool, preventing any warm patches from melting and refreezing in the eaves.
If you currently are having ice dam problems or think you may be susceptible to them, call Northeast Home & Energy. We can stop the leak caused by the dam, repair any damage, offer solutions for ice dam removal, and help prevent future ice dams. We have been serving New England for four decades. We are committed to sharing our family values with all of our homeowners. We promise to treat your family and home with the utmost care & respect and to always be honest & straightforward with you. You can count on us for roof repair of ice dams and water damage in Grafton, MA. Contact us for free estimates.
