Understanding Ice Dams: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

1/9/2025 (Permalink)

Icicles look pretty, until they cause a roof leak...

Winter brings beautiful snow-covered rooftops and cozy nights by the fire. But for homeowners, it can also bring a hidden danger: ice dams. These icy ridges that form along the edges of your roof might look picturesque, but they can cause significant damage to your home if not properly managed.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams occur when the heat from your home rises into the attic, warming the roof and causing snow to melt. This melted snow flows down the roof, only to refreeze when it reaches the colder edges or eaves. Over time, this cycle creates a ridge of ice, or an "ice dam," which prevents further melted snow from draining properly.

The Risks of Ice Dams

Ice dams can lead to:

1. Roof Damage: The pooled water behind an ice dam can seep under shingles, damaging your roof and reducing its lifespan.
2. Water Leaks: Water can infiltrate your attic, walls, and ceiling, causing stains, mold growth, and structural issues.
3. Gutter Damage: The weight of ice can pull gutters away from your home, leading to expensive repairs.
4. Insulation Problems: Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, driving up heating costs and creating an uncomfortable living environment.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

1. Improve Attic Insulation: Proper insulation reduces heat transfer from your home to the attic, keeping your roof cooler.
2. Seal Air Leaks: Identify and seal gaps around vents, chimneys, and light fixtures to prevent warm air from escaping into the attic.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents uneven roof warming.
4. Remove Snow Safely: Use a roof rake to remove snow from the edges of your roof after heavy snowfall. Never attempt to chip away at ice dams, as this can damage shingles.
5. Install Heating Cables: In areas prone to ice dams, heating cables can be installed to melt snow and ice along the roof edges.

What to Do If You Already Have an Ice Dam

If you notice an ice dam forming, act quickly:

• Clear the Roof Safely: Use a roof rake or hire professionals to safely remove snow.
• Call a Professional: If water damage has already occurred, contact a restoration specialist like SERVPRO to assess and repair the damage.
• Add Temporary Relief: Create channels in the ice dam to allow trapped water to drain. However, this is a temporary solution, and professional intervention is recommended.

How SERVPRO Can Help

At SERVPRO Team Holcomb, we understand how stressful ice dam damage can be. Our water damage restoration experts are equipped to handle everything from attic water removal to mold remediation. With our 24/7 emergency services, we're ready to restore your home quickly and efficiently.

Don’t let ice dams turn into a winter disaster. Protect your home by taking proactive measures and trusting the experts when needed.

Contact SERVPRO Team Holcomb today for expert assistance with water damage and winter weather challenges.