Ice dams are thick ridges of ice that form along the edges of a roof during winter. They usually appear after a heavy snowfall followed by cold temperatures. Ice dams happen when heat from inside the house rises and warms part of the roof, causing snow to melt. The melted snow then runs down toward the edge of the roof, where it is colder, and freezes again. As this process keeps repeating, ice builds up and creates a dam that blocks water from draining off the roof properly. With decades of experience, Cover All Exteriors is your go-to service provider to guide you through the process of preventing ice dams.
Many homeowners don’t realize that ice dams are often caused by problems inside the house, not just cold weather. Poor insulation, bad attic airflow, and small air leaks can allow warm air to escape upward. This heat warms certain areas of the roof while other parts stay cold. When snow melts on the warm areas and refreezes near the roof edge, ice dams begin to form. Homes in areas with long, cold winters are more likely to have this problem, especially if the attic is not well sealed.
Can Ice Dams Damage Your Roof?
Ice dams can seriously damage your roof if they are not taken care of. When water gets trapped behind the ice, it has nowhere to go. Instead of flowing off the roof, it can work its way under shingles. Roof shingles are made to let water run down, not to hold water underneath them. Once water gets under the shingles, it can soak into the roof decking and wooden parts of the roof. Over time, this can cause wood to rot and weaken the roof structure, leading to expensive repairs. Ica dams can also lead to a full replacement of your roof during the winter months.
The damage does not stop at the roof. Water that leaks inside can travel down into ceilings and walls. This often causes water stains, bubbling paint, and sagging drywall. Insulation inside the attic or walls can also get wet, which makes it less effective. When insulation stops working well, more heat escapes from the house, making the ice dam problem even worse. In some cases, long-lasting moisture can lead to mold growth, which can create unhealthy air inside the home.
Ice dams can also be dangerous for people around the house. Large pieces of ice may break off and fall suddenly from the roof. This can be a serious safety risk to anyone walking below, as well as to cars, decks, or landscaping. The weight of the ice can also pull down gutters and damage fascia boards along the roof edge. Once gutters are bent or broken, they cannot properly direct water away from the house, which may cause water to pool near the foundation.
The best way to deal with ice dams is to prevent them from forming in the first place. This usually means fixing insulation problems, sealing air leaks, and improving attic ventilation. When the attic stays cold and evenly heated, snow on the roof is less likely to melt and refreeze. While removing snow from the roof can help reduce buildup, it is only a short-term solution.
Understanding ice dams and how they form can help homeowners protect their roofs before serious damage occurs. Regular roof checks and proper home maintenance can go a long way in preventing costly winter problems. Taking action early helps keep your roof strong, your home dry, and your winter worries to a minimum year after year. If you are in need of service for your roof, call Cover All Exteriors today.