Though winter is a few months away, now is the time to be prepared. There is a lot you can do in advance to protect your home from damage caused by snow and ice.
Ice damming is a common problem in cold climates. It can cause damage to roofs, gutters, and other areas of your home. It can also cause flooding by trapping water behind the dam, which can seep into your home’s framework or basement. If left unchecked, this will cause significant damage to your roof structure as well as leaks inside your house that can lead to mold growth or even structural damage from rot.
As with many things in life, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to winter weather problems like this one! Thankfully, relatively easy preventative measures can ensure that these problems don’t occur for you.
What is an Ice Dam?
Ice dams form when water on your roof freezes and expands, causing ice to build up at the edge of the roof. When water flows down the roof of your house during freezing temperatures, it collects in the gutter.
When enough water builds up, it can freeze and form an ice dam that prevents rain from draining away from your home effectively. Don’t let this happen to you!
How Can You Be Prepared?
There are a couple of minor things you can do in advance to prevent ice damming:
- INSULATE YOUR ATTIC
Use 15 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation. This will keep warm air from escaping into the attic during winter months; it’ll also limit airflow in summer months when you want ventilation for cooling purposes.
- CALL A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN
A professional electrician can install heat tape down the eves in the problem area as a preventative measure.
- SEAL GAPS
Seal any gaps around windows with caulk so that warm air doesn’t escape through them when they’re closed up tight against cold temperatures outside.
Think You Might Have Ice Dams?
If you see icicles forming on your home this winter or you believe you have ice dams, you’ll want to call a professional to evaluate your gutters. Attempting DIY ice dam removal is ill-advised since it is easy to damage your gutters while removing the blockage. Since gutters are surprisingly fragile, more than a few owners have tried to remove their ice dams only to cause severe damage accidentally.
Here are some indicators to be on the lookout for:
Gutter Detachment
Your gutters are meant to channel water away from your home, not support heavy weight. Even an ice dam that appears small can weigh enough to pull your drain off the house. If you think this might be happening, we’ve got you covered.
Leaks
When ice dams prevent water from draining properly, the water will find another path. Homeowners who don’t monitor their gutters for ice dams may not know they have them until their roof leaks or they begin noticing structural damage.
Gutter Repair and Installation in Idaho
Come into this winter season feeling protected and prepared for whatever the elements might bring. If you do think you are at risk for ice dams, call our team and have them handle the care and maintenance of your gutters. Whether you need ice dams removed, your gutters cleaned, or a new gutter system installed, our technicians are here to help.
To ensure your home is ready for whatever the season brings, give Precision Gutters and Roofing a call today.