How bad are ice dams?

How bad are ice dams?

Ice dams are more than just an interesting phenomenon. More critically, ice dams can cause meltwater to back up under the shingles, where it can flow down and ruin ceiling and wall surfaces. If ignored, ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation and interior drywall, and other surfaces.

How do ice dams cause roof leaks?

When the weather warms, snow melts and flows toward the gutters. Ice dams block the flow of this water, causing the water to backup underneath the roof shingles. When the water backs up above the waterproof protective barrier, it begins leaking into your house.

Is it bad to have icicles on your house?

The obvious dangers are falling icicles and gutters being pulled down, but more importantly the water building up behind the icicles can get into your house. This can rot the wood in your roof and attic, possibly without your knowledge, and it also can seep through and ruin ceilings, walls, and windows.

How do I prevent ice dams on my flat roof?

To help prevent ice dams from forming:

1. Keep all drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts free of debris and vegetation that may restrict proper flow.
2. Prune trees that may hang over the roof to prevent an accumulation of tree leaves and branches that may clog or slow roof drainage.
3. Improve ventilation.

What causes ice dams?

Heat loss from a house, snow cover and outside temperatures interact to form ice dams. The snow on a roof surface that is above freezing will melt. As water flows down the roof it reaches the portion of the roof that is below 32F and freezes. This causes the ice dam.

When should I worry about ice dams?

Ice dams, in an of themselves, are not a real problem and usually cause no damage. But if the roof was not properly installed and/or the attic area was not properly insulated, the backed up water will enter the house and cause significant damage.

What is an ice dam on a house?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Can Ice dams cause roof damage?

Ice dams can cause different types of damage. Sometimes the ice dam can cause damage to the roof covering, as well. The water can also continue to re-freeze causing a large amount of ice to build up in the gutters. This build-up can cause a weight problem, collapsing the gutters from the ice build-up.

What causes ice dams and icicles?

Ice dams and icicles form when the snow melts, runs down your roof and refreezes near the edge. This only occurs when part of your roof warms to above 32 degrees F, warm enough to melt the snow, while the roof edge remains below freezing. This scenario is often the result of a warm attic.

Should I worry about icicles?

There are several risks to knocking icicles down yourself. The first of these is that falling ice can act in unpredictable ways, and in trying to remove it, you run the risk of injuring yourself or others. Another risk is the icicles tearing the entire gutter away from the side of the house.

Should I knock icicles off my roof?

Don’t knock large icicles off your gutters, but be aware they may be a sign of ice dams forming. Don’t try to remove thick, long icicles from your gutters, experts say. You could wind up injuring yourself – falling chunks of ice are unpredictable – or damaging to your home. Leave them be, but keep an eye on them.

What should you do about ice dams?

Permanent Fixes for Ice Dams

1. Ventilate Eaves And Ridge. A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof.
2. Cap the Hatch.
3. Exhaust to the Outside.
4. Add Insulation.
5. Install Sealed Can Lights.
6. Flash Around Chimneys.
7. Seal and Insulate Ducts.
8. Caulk Penetrations.

What happens if you have an ice dam on Your House?

The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Moisture entering the home from ice dams can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause respiratory problems.

What is an ice dam on a roof?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.

Is Mechanical attic ventilation a solution to ice dams?

Mechanical attic ventilation is not a recommended solution to ice dams in Minnesota. It can create other attic moisture problems and may cause undesirable negative pressure in the home. Plus sign (+) if content is closed, ‘X’ if content is open.

Will ice dam damage my Gutters and downspouts?

It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too. Ice Dams are a common sight in Northern New England winters, and Home Partners has dealt with quite a few.