What are Ice Dams?

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Know what to look for when it comes to a possible ice dam.

Understanding Ice Dams

During the winter and stormy months, you may experience an ice dam. Ice dams are the formation of ice on the top edge of a house or building that prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. Ice dams happen because your home generates heat, and this heat naturally melts the snow on the shingles which then turns into water. The water then freezes on the edges of the roof due to the weather being so cold and the eaves not receiving any heat because it is hanging off the side of the house. The ice dam then traps snow onto the roof, which can cause the inside of your home once it starts to melt with nowhere to go but down into the shingles.

If trapped melted snow does make its way through your shingles and into your home- that’s when it can cause water damage. In order to prevent these issues and stop ice dams from forming, one can remove snow from the roof. When removing the ice and snow from the roof, do not use an ax or sharp object as it could do more damage. Instead, you should use an object like a mallet. After the snow and ice have been removed, the gutters and downspouts need to be cleared. If you fall victim to an ice dam which then leads to water damage inside of your home, call SERVPRO of Barrington/ North Schaumburg.

SERVPRO of Barrington/North Schaumburg is Independently Owned and Operated.