Ice Damming In The Hudson Valley & Tri-State Counties
Winter can be a stressful time for many Hudson Valley and Tri-State homeowners. One of the biggest threats to the health of local roofing systems is snow buildup and ice damming. Ice damming can cause issues and damage to your roof and other parts of your home. We’ll cover the causes of ice damming, preventative measures you can take, and what to do if ice has already started covering your roof.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when snow melts and the water freezes typically on the lower edge of your roof or in the drainage systems and gutters of your home. The continuous melting and freezing of the snow is the main cause of many ice build ups. Fluctuating temperatures are a main cause of ice dams and this can be the result of heat loss through your roof due to poor ventilation and/or inadequate insulation.
Poor ventilation and/or insulation due to being improperly installed can be one of the causes of these fluctuating temperatures. Heat will escape from the roof and the attic of a home if the ventilation and insulation is poor. That escaping heat slowly melts the snow on the roof, but when temperatures dip below freezing, the melted snow also freezes, and the ice dam is created.
Water can also build up and refreeze in gutters where the heat loss through the roof doesn’t reach closely enough to melt. Imagine the water slowly draining from the roof, refreezing once it reaches the gutters and soffit, then building up to create the ice dam.
Ice Damming Issues & Symptoms
Ice damming is most dangerous to your home when snow on your roof melts and refreezes after reaching the soffit and gutter system. If you have a noticeable ice dam and snow covered roof, keep an eye open for these underlying issues that indicate potential damage:Â
- Leaking water in your attic
- Water damage along the tops of interior walls
- Condensation between high windows
- Wet stains on ceilings
- Curving or warping shingles
- Electrical sparks in outlets or fixtures
Preventing Ice Dams on Roofs
If you’re noticing ice dams on your roof or any of the underlying symptoms listed above, you can take the following preventative steps to protect your roof and home. Proper insulation, ventilation, and roof installation will be the biggest factors in protecting your home and roof from ice damming.
- Insulating your roof and attic properly will keep the warm air inside the home and from escaping through the attic and roof.
- Ventilation can be an overlooked, but important aspect of a home.
- Appliances requiring ventilation need to be vented in such a way that the excess heat is not being deposited into the attic and affecting the home’s roofing system.
- Unfortunately for homeowners roofs aren’t always installed properly and sometimes an improper installation has caused an issue that is beyond the point of maintenance solving the problem.Â
**When selecting a roofing contractor, the best thing to look for is up to date licensure, certifications, ratings and reviews, and detailed content about the work you’ll be having done on their website.
Winter Maintenance Plans Offered By Licensed Experts
- Winterizing a home is recommended in any region where the season can be harsh to the exterior of the home.
- Licensed experts often offer winter maintenance to protect homes and ensure the comfort of the family inside.
How To Treat & Fix Ice Damming
- Hire a professional roofing contractor to remove the snow and ice.
- Do NOT attempt to do it yourself. You may seriously injure yourself, damage property, and in some cases void existing warranties.
Installing A New Roofing System
- Installing a new roofing system is a last resort, but may be unavoidable in cases where the roof has been left unmaintained and the ice damming untreated, especially for multiple seasons.
- A new roofing system should be complemented with proper ventilation, insulation, and properly draining gutter system.
- A properly installed roofing system can ensure a lifetime of comfort, no worries, and a no surprise repairs.
Contact A Local Roofing Contractor
All of our team at TH Construction Group are licensed and fully certified experts in roofing installation and maintenance in all the hudson valley & tri-state, counties. Because all of our technicians are locally trained we know the specific requirements and conditions that a roofing system needs to meet and endure each season. You can reach us at (845) 557-9743 or visit https://thconstructiongroup.com/contact-us/ to schedule a time for a consultation.
