Ice Dams And The Importance Of Calling A Roofing Specialist
Icicles might look beautiful hanging from your roof, but they are generally a sign that there is something going on with your roof. Small icicles are one thing, but ice dams build up quickly when water doesn't flow along your gutters like normal. Clogged gutters might be the issue, or temperature fluctuations in your attic can cause ice dams to build up. If the ice becomes too thick, it can cause water to go under your roof and into your home. A poorly insulated roof can cause snow to melt, only to freeze by the time it reaches the edge of your roof. If you have a problem with ice dams, call a roofing specialist to investigate further.
You Need Better Insulation or Ventilation
The insulation in your attic can deteriorate over time. If you don't have enough insulation, this will cause the heat in your home to reach the top of your roof and melt any snow that accumulates. This will lead to ice dams as the water freezes again while traveling along your gutters and the edges of your roof. Good ventilation is also needed. When cool air can get into your attic, this helps to prevent ice dams from building up and the snow is less likely to melt.
Get Snow Off of Your Roof
If you have a problem with ice dams, remove the snow from your roof before it can melt. During periods of heavy snow, pay attention to temperature fluctuations. If it is going to get warm, get the snow off before it has a chance to melt. A roofing specialist can do this work for you if you are not comfortable getting on top of your roof to remove the snow.
If You Have a Roof Leak
When you have ice dams, you might also experience roof leaks. It's important to have any leaks into your home addressed by a specialist. You could have water coming in underneath the roof, or you could have storm damage that is causing water to leak from the top of the roof. A roofing contractor will inspect your roof, the eaves, and the attic insulation to see what is causing your leak.
Roof leaks and ice dams don't go away without fixing the problem. While you can knock down ice dams, they build up again quickly. Have a roofing contractor come to your home to assess the situation and make any repairs that are necessary.
