Ice Dam: Signs & Prevention

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Extensive ice damming on a commercial building in West Kelowna, BC

Those stunning icicles hanging from your roof may give your home a picturesque wintery look, but they could also be telling you that something is wrong. Icicles can be the first sign that an ice dam is present or is forming on your roof.

Ice dams prevent melting snow from escaping properly through eavestroughs and downspouts.

As standing water collects behind the ice dam, it will have nowhere to go except beneath shingles. Water underneath roof shingles may refreeze and expand as temperatures cool, which can make them break or detach. Water can then pour into your home causing water damage to drywall, framing, insulation, etc. Ice Dams can also cause extensive damage to your exterior (shingles, roof, gutters, downspouts, etc.) Not only can all these damages be costly to also poses a danger to people below.

Signs of an Ice Dam:

• Icicles on your roof
• Dark-coloured icicles
• New water-stains on your ceilings
• Different type or areas of melted snow on your roof compared to neighbors
• Dams (mounds of ice running along the edge of your roof)

Prevention:

• The best way to prevent ice damming is to properly insulate and ventilate your attic. If you are unsure if your home is adequately insulated and/or ventilated seek a professionals help to ensure the job is done right.
• Keep on top of snow removal from your roof after large snow falls. There is also chemical de-icers available in most hardware stores that can be place on your roof.
• Fall maintenance: Inspect your roof for damage, cracks, missing shingles and have any issues repaired. Clear out debris from your gutters

If you experience water damage or flooding in your home from ice damming call us today to properly access the damage and begin the restoration process.