Ice dams on your roof result from unsuspected causes and cause unexpected damage. The connection between those mounds of ice along the eaves of the roof and the temperature inside your attic may not be obvious. Likewise, the mechanism of how a line of ice way up there can trigger roof leakage and serious water damage down inside the house is often hard to understand. Here's how the process behind ice dams works.
- Snowfall usually covers your roof evenly. However, it may not melt that way. Household heat migrating into the attic rises up to the area beneath the peak of the roof. This concentration of heat warms the underside of the roof near the peak, while the rest of the roof below remains in a frigid, frozen state.
- Water from snow melting at the warmer upper part of the roof runs down to the lower, frozen area of the roof at the eaves and rapidly re-freezes. This gradually forms a barrier called an ice dam that prevents roof runoff from entering the gutters. As snow-melt and runoff increases, water gradually backs up on the roof.
- Roofing shingles are designed to resist water in motion running down the roof and into the gutters. They are not designed to resist pools of standing water. Pooling water infiltrates behind the shingles, penetrates the joints between roof sheathing and leaks into the attic.
- Attic insulation becomes soaked, degrading its insulating effectiveness, and providing an excellent breeding ground for toxic black mold. Wooden attic structure is also saturated. Roof leakage finally drips down through the ceiling into living spaces and water damage occurs inside the house.
Prevent ice dams by keeping attic temperatures uniformly cold. Make sure attic vents are open. Keep household heat out of the attic by sealing cracks in the ceiling and gaps around light fixtures and pipes that pass through the ceiling. To minimize heat energy infiltrating the attic, also make sure depth of your attic insulation meets current Department Of Energy standards.
To sum up, ice dams are a significant winter hazard that can lead to serious water damage in your home. The key to preventing these dams lies in maintaining uniform attic temperatures and ensuring proper insulation and ventilation.
However, if you're already facing the consequences of ice dams, such as water leakage, attic damage, or mold growth, Rytech Restoration is ready to assist. Our team of experts specializes in resolving water, fire, and mold damage, ensuring your home is restored to a safe and healthy environment. Don't let ice dams and their aftermath compromise your home's integrity; contact Rytech Restoration for efficient, professional, and reliable restoration services.
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