Ice Dams are Bad

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Protect against Ice Dams

Coming into the winter season here in Missouri and Illinois, we want to talk about Ice Dams and what they are, and how to prevent them from forming at your home or business. 

Ice dams form on the lower edge of building roofs preventing melted snow water from being able to run off the roof’s surface.  When melted water gets trapped and can’t escape, it can penetrate under the roof's shingles and run into the home possibly causing wet walls, ceilings, and insulation.

These ice dams are formed when warm air inside one’s home travels into the open roof cavity and warms the roof sheathing.  This warm air can escape from our homes through unsealed openings around light fixtures, wall sockets, chimneys, and ventilation systems.  When the warm air rises, the snow melts at the peak of the home and runs down to the cooler edges of the roof, this causes the dam.  When ice dams are visible, it’s a sure sign that a person is having heat loss in their home.

There are a few ways to prevent ice dams from forming.  Snow removal can be done with a rake or with salt.  Either of which you must be careful not to damage the roofing.  The best preventative measure is to make sure your ceilings are as airtight as possible.  The insulation should have a minimum R-value of 50.  If an ice dam forms, it can be removed by a professional with steam-powered equipment.  Getting up on your roof and chopping at the ice is dangerous and can also be damaging.

If you need help, please call SERVPRO of Quincy or SERVPRO of Hannibal, so we can help with the damage.  217-223-2993 or 573-231-0056.

SERVPRO of Quincy and Hannibal is Locally Owned and Operated.  We are your full-service Cleaning, Restoration, and Construction Team in Missouri and Illinois. 

“Best” is our Standard.