Everything You Need To Learn About Ice Dams

If you notice glistening icicles hanging down from your rooftop, then you have to agree that something isn't quite right with the structural integrity of your house. Icicles are a major sign that will tell you that an ice dam has formed on your house rooftop, which is preventing the melted snow to escape.

The presence of ice dams means that your roof is likely getting damaged over time, along with the other constructed components of your house. So, it's essential to learn about ice dams and the methods through which you can prevent the same.

What Do You Mean By Ice Dams?

An ice dam can be defined as a major or minor build-up of ice, which effectively traps the melting snow on your house rooftop. Professional home inspection in Grand Prairie TX points out that such melted snow is prevented from getting drained, leading to leaks in the ceilings & roofs of your home. Furthermore, the damage is also inflicted to your home's interior insulation and walls, leading to mould infestation and poor indoor air quality, apart from other problems.

The Method In Which Ice Dams Are Formed

Firstly, the heat from the interior areas of your home rises into the attic.

Poor ventilation as well as insulation inside your attic will directly allow the warm air to escape, ultimately heating up your roof.

The shingles that are heated due to the escaping warmth melt the snow and thus allow the melted snow to flow towards an area where the shingles are cold.

As the melted snow hits a cold spot on your roof, the snow refreezes and thereby a build-up of ice is created.

Such a process leads to a bigger formation of ice block on the roof, which is effectively termed as an ice dam.

The Procedures Through Which You Can Prevent Ice Dam

1. Ventilate & Insulate The Roof Attic

To prevent the formation of ice dams, you need to first seal the gaps inside your attic, so that you can stop the warm air from escaping. Moreover, you also need to opt for insulation. However, avoid blocking any ventilation airways.

Add insulation while also maintaining ventilation for cold air to come into the attic will remove any traces of moisture. Therefore, the overall cool temperature of the roof will be able to prevent any formation of ice dams.

2. Installation Of Heating Cables On The Roof

In case your roof is prone to the formation of ice dams, then it's wise to opt for electrically heating cables for your roof. These cables will be able to heat up the cold spots on the roof, leading to zero formation of ice dams on your roof. It's essential to ask for professionals to fit such heating cables on your roof because uneven installation or improper fixation of cables can render the procedure totally ineffective.

3. Keep The Roof Clear Of Snowfall

One of the easiest ways to prevent the formation of ice dams is by keeping your roof clear of any accumulation of snow. While you might be tempted to climb up on your roof and clear the snow all by yourself, it’s definitely not a task that we would highly recommend because of safety issues and lack of proper equipment. Instead, it’s better to hire professionals who can do the job for you efficiently and safely.

What’s The Stance Of Your Home Insurance On Ice Dams?

In case you’re wondering whether ice dams are covered under your home insurance policy, then the truth is - most home insurance companies cover the impact of ice dams under their plans.

Moreover, the good news is that - the insurance will also cover any necessary repairs.