Ice Dams Cause Water Damage

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Accumulating snow acts as an insulator between the outside cold and your buildings roof. Normal heat loss and solar rays warm the roof causing the snow to melt, which then runs down the roof and reaches the overhang and begins to enter the home, especially if the gutters and downspouts are blocked. This is also known as an ice dam which forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. Instead, the water flow backs up underneath the roofing materials causing water damage to your ceilings and walls. 

A few steps you can take to help prevent an ice dam are

-Make sure your gutters are clear of any debris before a snow or ice storm happens. 

- Inspect the roof often, and safely remove any snow and ice build up that is on the gutters.

-Inspect walls and ceilings, especially in areas in the home that are not frequented as often. Look for any signs of water damage.

-Another option is installing heat lines in the gutters to assist with melting the excess snow and stopping it from freezing causing ice dams. 

If you should experience an ice dam on your roof and it causes ceiling or walls to become wet, calling the experts at SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa right away will help reduce the amount of water damage that occurs in your home.