Why do my roof's ice dams exist?

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More snow and ice are produced by harsher winters, which can cause ice dams to form on your roof and eaves. Ice dams can leak inside your home and harm your roof, gutters, and foundation.

The good news is that ice damming can be avoided before it occurs. Continue reading to find out what ice dams are, how they form, and how to stop them from forming on your roof.

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What are ice dams?

A block of ice known as an ice dam is found on the eave, or edge, of a roof. Any snowy region can experience this issue.

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Ice dams are large masses of ice that collect typically on the lower edge of a roof and in the gutters. As melting snow (or rain) runs down the roof, it meets this ice mass and backs up, sometimes under the shingles and then leaking into the attic.

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Ice dams prevent correctly drained snow from gutters due to melting. The water collects just above the dam or pours through your roof since it can't get to the gutters.

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How do they form?

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After it snows, your roof's snow is melted by the sun's heat and the warm air in your attic. The ideal scenario is for that water to drain out of the drainpipe and into your gutters.

However, if your roof's peak is warmer than its eaves, water will flow down it and refreeze at the eaves. Uneven surface temperatures on a roof can cause ice dams.

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You might have uneven temperatures on your roof if your attic isn't properly insulated or ventilated. These are the two most important qualities of an efficient roof.

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The risks posed by ice dams

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The water that accumulates above an ice dam is what poses the main threat. If this water doesn't evaporate, it will seep through your roof decking, under the shingles, and into your attic. After that, it can seep through to your ceilings.

These water leaks may cause structural problems and the growth of mould. Your indoor air quality could suffer as a result, and future repairs could be more costly.

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How to prevent ice dams

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Check for air leaks in your attic and caulk them to stop ice dams from forming in the first place. Additionally, you can insulate your attic.

Installing a ridge vent or soffit vents may be necessary if your attic isn't adequately ventilated. This will prevent the snow from melting too soon by keeping your attic cold.

You can place a heat cable on your eaves if you already have ice dams. As a result, the ice will gradually melt and eventually drain into the gutters. Additionally, a professional can steam it off for you.

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To remove part of the snow from your roof, you can also use a snow rake. Snow won't have a chance to melt and soak through if you clear it off the roof.

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Protect your home from ice damming today

Your roof and gutters may suffer costly damage as a result of ice damming. Even inside your house, it could result in water damage.

The best way to deal with ice dams is to stop them from forming in the first place. You may reduce your chances of developing ice dams with enough ventilation and insulation.

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If you're not sure where to begin, SPRAY FOAM TECH can help. We have more than 10 years of experience insulating the GTA homes. Contact us today to find out how we insulate your home to prevent ice dams.