If you live in Ontario, you’ve heard the term ice dam. And if you own a home, you’ve probably had experience with an ice dam at some point during the frigid winters we see every year.
As pretty as they are, icicles along your roofline aren’t ideal. In fact, they can be dangerous to your home and anyone walking close enough to them. So to help, we’re going to talk a little about what ice damming is and how you can prevent it from happening.
What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a thick structure of ice along your eavestroughs that’s built up over a period of time.
What causes an ice dam? When the temperature outside drops, we increase the temperature inside, but have you checked to see how much heat you’re losing through your roof. When your attic isn’t properly insulated and snow melts from that lost heat, water runs down the roof freezing at the cold edges and forms a pile of ice. This cycle of accumulating snow > melting snow > freezing water > ice forming is how an ice dam is built up.
Can an ice dam damage your roof or inside the home? The answer is a resounding yes. Your roof and the inside of your home can be damaged due to an ice dam. Here are a few examples:
- Torn of or damaged gutters
- Loose shingles
- Roof leaks
- Peeling paint
- Stained or sagging ceilings
- Soggy insulation
- Increased heating bills
- Unwanted rodents or pests
There are ways to help prevent ice dams from forming. Try these to keep the roof temperatures cold and the heat inside:
- Add insulation in your attic. Do you have enough? Does it need to be replaced? If you’re unsure, contact a local roofing company to assist.
- Increase roof ventilation. Do this by adding soffit vents or ventilation strip along the eavestroughs will help regulate the roof temperature.
- Seal any air leaks you find. Commonly found in windowsills, drywall cracks, openings around the chimney, or in the spaces around pipes or access hatches – make sure these are sealed properly and aren’t causing heat to escape.
We don’t suggest you try to deal with an existing ice dam. For your own safety, and the safety of your roof, contact your local roofing company so they can asses the issue and determine the next steps.
