ICE DAMS 101: KNOW THE SIGNS, TAKE ACTION

When it’s winter, dealing with exterior home maintenance might not be at the top of your to-do list. It's chilly out there, and spending more time cozied up indoors sounds way more appealing. But here's the deal – snow and ice always come with potential threats to your home, especially your roof. It's important to address these issues now to prevent serious damage down the road.

Ice dams in particular can be a real headache. They go beyond just being a bother and can lead to water damage, damaged insulation, and ugly stains inside. Plus, they're not doing any favors for the life of your roof. As a roofing company, we've seen our fair share of these headaches. But let's keep it simple – what are ice dams, and how do you know it's time to call in the pros for removal? This quick overview breaks it down, helping you figure out when to get an ice dam removal service before things get worse.

ICE DAM WARNING SIGNS

Forming an ice dam happens when your home's warmth meets the snow on the roof. In simpler terms, an ice dam can make water pile up behind icicles, allowing it to seep through your roof's shingles and into the attic below. Understanding the issue with this is crucial. While roofs handle water well in rainstorms, they are not meant to hold standing water. Roofs work effectively because of their sloping shape and gutters. Well-maintained roofs keep your home dry during wet weather by allowing rain to flow off them and away from the roof by the gutter system. This prevents potential issues for your home and foundation.

When there's standing water on your roof due to an ice dam, it's like taking away your roof's natural slant and gutters and hoping everything will be fine. But, it won't be. Roofs aren't made to endure prolonged soaking, especially without the usual slope and gutters to handle water. Ignoring an ice dam for too long sets your home up for trouble by inviting moisture damage, mold, stains, and sagging ceilings.

Knowing that ice dams can be a problem is one thing, but how do you figure out if you've got one? Recognizing the problem is the first step towards fixing it.

Ice Buildup: When you spot a bunch of ice gathering near your home's eaves or awnings, it's a sign that water might be backed up. Whether it's in icicle form or not, even small bits of ice can lead to major issues later. Skip the DIY removal, especially using force, to avoid damaging your shingles. Your best bet is to call in a pro for a helping hand.

Water damage inside your home: If you notice damage on your ceiling or walls, an ice dam might be the culprit. As mentioned earlier, roofs have a tough time dealing with standing water, leading to eventual seepage and issues. While ice dams aren't the only exterior maintenance problems that can cause moisture damage, it's worth checking if you spot this damage along with other signs on the list.

Soggy attic insulation: if you're dealing with ice dams, moisture can sneak into your attic. Beyond the structural issues this can cause, it also means your insulation might become soggy. Soggy insulation is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which is a health hazard for you and your family. Poor Attic airflow: Another sign to watch for is poor ventilation in your attic. If you notice that there's not enough air circulating up there, it might be a result of the formation of ice dams. Inadequate ventilation lets warm air hang around, leading to snowmelt and the eventual creation of ice dams. Sorting out ventilation issues can play a key role in preventing these problems.

ICE DAM INSPECTIONS: EARLY ACTION = BIG SAVINGS

If you've noticed any of the above signs, there's a chance you're dealing with an ice dam problem. The best way to confirm this is by having a professional inspect your roof. Addressing ice dams early on is a highly cost-effective measure compared to potential expenses for roof repairs or mold removal.

Prioritize the safety of your family and protect your home by reaching out to Midwest Exteriors MN at (651) 346-9477 to schedule a thorough inspection. If we discover ice dams, our removal method uses low-pressure steam, ensuring a safe process without causing harm to your roof. As experts in home exteriors, we'll also inspect your roof to identify the underlying cause of the ice dams and provide a repair estimate if needed.