Last year was a horrible winter for ice dams. Why was the winter of 2009-10 so bad? Several times over the winter, the weather would warm up and then the temperature would drop drastically...that is the formula for ice dams. They get so thick and heavy that they tear the gutters off of a home while also causing damage to the roof. Usually the water has nowhere to go, so then it leaks into the home and rooms below.
A sign of possible ice dams is if you have long icicles hanging from you gutters. Perform a visual inspection of your roofline and see if you see any buildup of ice or snow. If it is not taken care of properly and in a timely manner, it could cause a lot of damage and be very expensive to fix.
Thick ice forms in gutters when heat escapes through the roofing and melts snow, which then slides down the roof to the gutter. If the gutter is clogged or if the air is frigid, the water refreezes soon after hitting the gutter. Ice damming can trap water on the roof and force it under shingles and up the roofline. This could result in wet interior walls and carpets or a flooded basement.
Help Hints and Tips
1. Call a professional: to remove the ice dam - a good place to start is with a reputable roofing contractor. Also, if there is water damage you will want to contact a water mitigation company; such as, PuroClean Professional Services at 866-944-7876. There is a common misconception that a water mitigation company cannot help until the ice dam has been removed; however, this is not always the case.
2. Properly ventilate and insulate the attic: The main cause of ice dams is an overly warm attic.
3. Do not walk on a snow-covered roof: Make sure you work from a ladder to fix the damage.
4. Do not install mechanical equipment in attics: These can be a fire hazard. Stick to insulation to help keep heat in your home.
5. Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow off the roof: These chemicals are extremely corrosive.
Other helpful hints
1. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris.
2. Have the proper thickness of insulation inside your home, particularly the attic.
3. Install proper ventilation in the home and roof.
PuroClean Professional Services
866-944-7876
www.PuroCleanProServices.com
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