Considering the strength of today’s snowstorm, Garner Roofing, your Baltimore roofer, thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic of Ice Dams and roof leaks.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a roofing issue that forms after a significant snowfall.
When the temperature of your roof is above freezing, the snow on your roof begins to melt. However, if the temperature at the roof’s edge is still below freezing, the melted snow can then refreeze at your roof’s edge, creating an ice dam. This prevents water from reaching the gutters. As a result, water collects behind the ice dam and, with nowhere else to go, leaks into your home.
Preventative Maintenance & Roof Repair Tips
Gutter Maintenance: If your gutters are clogged, they cannot direct water away efficiently. This will cause water to collect at the roof’s edge, putting your home at a greater risk of ice damming.
- Attic Insulation: If your roof is too warm, it could cause underlying snow to melt, before refreezing once it reaches your roof’s edge, where the temperature is below freezing. To help prevent this, insulate your attic to an R-value in the R-49 to R-60 range.
- Ventilation: Ensure that none of your home’s exhaust vents travel through your roof soffits.
- Garner Roofing: Your Baltimore Roofer: If you notice any signs of a roof leak, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call Garner Roofing, your Baltimore roofer. We specialize in Leak Investigation & Repair. Our factory trained and ShingleMaster Certified technicians have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and repair even the most stubborn roof leaks as quickly and cost effectively as possible.
Every year, ice dams cause millions of dollars of damage to homes. Don’t let your home be one of them! Call Garner Roofing at the first sign of trouble.
