Ice dams may look pretty as they glisten along the edges of your roof, but these ridges shouldn’t be ignored. Left alone, they can cause problems that you’ll need a roofer to fix. With winter on the way, the more you know about ice dams, the better you can protect your home from damage. 

What Are Ice Dams? 

Ice dams are strips of ice that form on the edges of sloped roofs. They’re caused by snow that melts on your roof’s peak, where it’s warmest, and refreezes at the eaves. They may signify a poorly insulated attic or underlayment. If excessive heat escapes from your attic, it will exacerbate the melting process. 

What Issues Do They Cause? 

Ice dams form barriers that make it impossible for snowmelt to drain properly into your gutters. Water will instead pool behind the dam. Standing water can penetrate the shingles and leak into the attic. This leakage can, in turn, cause serious problems. Moisture compresses insulation, permanently reducing its effectiveness. Water exposure can also spur mold growth and wood rot. It can even cause structural decay by dampening the sheetrock, which will soften and cave. Excessive weight from accumulated ice and snow can also strain building materials. 

How to Prevent Them

The best way to prevent ice dams is to prevent warmth from escaping. You can do this by adding insulation. You’ll need a roofing contractor to evaluate and enhance the space’s R-values. They may recommend adding more batting or loose-fill sprays. In addition to increasing the insulation, a roofer can inspect and seal any air leakage paths. They may also recommend installing soffit vents to keep the attic suitably cold. 

Get your home ready for the winter weather this year with help from the experts at Ontario Exteriors. For over two decades, they’ve provided quality roofing and siding solutions for home and business owners across the Rochester, NY, area. From repairs to complete the installation of new gutters and shingles, these insured roofers handle it all. Visit their website to learn about their services or call them today at (585) 421-0880.