Winter brings its own set of challenges for homeowners, and one of the most common and costly issues is ice dam damage. At Adams Disaster Restoration, we’re here to help you understand the risks associated with ice dams, how to prevent them, and what to do if your property is affected. With the right knowledge and professional support, you can protect your home from winter’s worst.
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts due to heat escaping from your home. As the melted snow flows down, it refreezes at the colder edges of your roof, creating a dam of ice. This dam blocks additional melting snow from draining properly, causing water to back up under shingles and potentially leak into your home.
The Risks of Ice Dam Damage
- Roof Damage
- Water seeping under shingles can cause warping, cracking, and even structural damage to your roof.
- Interior Water Damage
- Backed-up water can infiltrate your attic, ceilings, walls, and insulation, leading to stains, sagging, and mold growth.
- Gutter Damage
- The weight of ice dams can pull gutters away from your home, causing costly repairs.
- Mold and Mildew
- Prolonged moisture from ice dams can create a breeding ground for mold, posing health risks and requiring remediation.
Preventing Ice Dam Damage
- Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation
- Adequate insulation keeps warm air from escaping into your attic, reducing snow melt.
- Proper ventilation helps maintain a consistent roof temperature, preventing ice dams from forming.
- Clear Snow from Your Roof
- Use a roof rake or hire a professional to safely remove snow after heavy snowfall.
- Avoid using tools that may damage shingles.
- Seal Air Leaks
- Identify and seal leaks around vents, chimneys, and light fixtures to minimize heat loss.
- Install Ice and Water Shield
- An ice and water shield under your shingles adds an extra layer of protection against water infiltration.
- Consider Heated Cables
- Heated cables installed along the roof edge can help melt snow and ice, reducing the risk of dams.
Addressing Ice Dam Damage
If your home has already been affected by ice dams, taking prompt action is essential to minimize damage. Here’s how Adams Disaster Restoration can help:
- Emergency Water Removal
- Our team will quickly remove water from your home to prevent further damage.
- Moisture Detection and Drying
- Using advanced tools, we identify hidden moisture and ensure thorough drying of affected areas.
- Mold Remediation
- If mold has developed, we safely remove it and address the source of the moisture to prevent recurrence.
- Roof and Structural Repairs
- From fixing damaged shingles to repairing structural issues, we restore your home to its pre-damage condition.
Trust Adams Disaster Restoration to Protect Your Home
Ice dams may be a winter hazard, but with the right prevention measures and professional restoration services, you can safeguard your home from costly damage. At Adams Disaster Restoration, we’re committed to helping you prepare for and recover from winter weather challenges.