Eventually, this will cause sagging ceilings, warped floors, mildew or mold, and severe damage to many areas in your home. The water seeps through the insulation, ceilings, and walls. Usually, that means it works its way into your attic. When water can’t drain off your roof, it has to go somewhere. So don’t take ice dams lightly fix them fast! Ice dams are notorious for causing severe damage to your roof, as well as your home’s overall structure. Plus, if it goes unnoticed for too long, it could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Moisture in your attic can wreak havoc! It can rot your roof joists and rust any exposed nails. Water leaks in your roof can cause mold, mildew, and bacteria growth which can then lead to respiratory issues for you and your family. Unfortunately, homeowners usually don’t get to choose one or the other and often get stuck with both types of damage (yeesh!). What’s worse, water damage on your ceiling or your gutters ripped from your home? Once the shingles are loose, moisture can leak through the roof and cause interior water damage. There, it will freeze and expand, causing the shingles to loosen. Ice Dams Allow Moisture to Enter Your HomeĮven if the ice dams don’t end up ripping off your gutters as they tumble to the ground, the dam may cause water to seep between the shingles of your roof. Therefore, eliminating ice dams before they get the chance to take your gutters down with them is probably best. Then, when the weather gets warm enough for the snow and ice to melt, the ice dam may end up loosening enough to fall off the roof.Īnd, if it falls, it might just take your gutters right along with it! When you get a ton of ice and snow on your roof, it could melt in the sunlight then refreeze into a large chunk of ice as it slides down into your gutters (hello, heavy mini-glacier, have you met the gutters?). So, let’s dive into some of the key risks of ice dams (and how to prevent them!). That’s why you should be aware of the dangers of ice dams on your roof and gutters. You probably don’t want water leaks in your living room or large chunks of ice falling on your head on the way to the mailbox, right? If you don’t address your ice issues, it will cause damage to your roof and increase the likelihood of water dripping through the roof into your home (yikes…). You will notice icicles along with an ice dam around the gutters. Ice tends to collect on your roof and near its edges during the winter season, especially after a winter storm. But, the downsides of ice buildup definitely outweigh the visual appeal (hate to break it to you).īut why, might you ask, is this ice so problematic? Well, in short, ice weighs a lot!Īnd not only that, but it could cause lots of damage when it falls. Sure, ice might look shiny, pretty and make your home look like that winter wonderland you’ve always imagined. Ice dams can harm your roof and your family members. What are the Dangers of Ice Dams to your Roof? 5 How Can A Gutter Repair Professional Help Remove Ice Dams?.4.3 Measure Your Attic’s Insulation Level.4 How Do You Actually Prevent Ice Dams from Forming on your Roof Every Year?.3 Can You Remove Ice Dams From Your Gutters By Yourself?.2 What Are The Top Things You Can Do To Remove Ice Dams?.1.3 Ice Dams Cause Structural Water Damage.1.2 Ice Dams Allow Moisture to Enter Your Home.1 What are the Dangers of Ice Dams to your Roof?.If you do not have the manpower to handle regular maintenance or cannot safely reach your roof, consider hiring a professional contractor to avoid the costly repair expense. Preventing an ice dam involves smart planning and regular maintenance during the winter months. Also be aware that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.Īn ice dam can lead to damage to buildings. If you try this method, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Ice melt: Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. However it is not recommended to try chipping or breaking ice dams due to the damage that can be inflicted on the roof.īe safe: If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a professional contractor to remove it. Removal of dam: If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice dam off with a roof rake or cut a channel through the ice to allow standing water to drain.
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