Icicles are considered one of the true natural beauties of winter and can often be found hanging off the side of your home. However, a large build-up of icicles after a winter storm could be a sign of a very serious problem with your home’s roofing system.
What are Ice Dams and What Causes Them?
Ice dams are ridges of ice that hang off the edges of your roof, like a big formation of icicles. These ice dams get in the way of snow melting and draining off of your roof.
Ice dams form due to indoor hot air rising through the ceiling and attic, therefore warming the roof surface. If snow is sitting on your roof, it will quickly melt and flow downward until it meets the lower parts with a temperature below freezing. This freezing water then turns into an ice dam, which can continue to grow as this process continues.
What Do Ice Dams Mean For Your Home?
As previously mentioned, ice dams form due to hot air rising in your home and melting snow off your roof’s surface. This process occurs due to poor ventilation in your attic space. Proper air circulation and ventilation in an attic are crucial to the well-being of your roof, especially during the winter months. So, if you are noticing more and more ice dams forming after each snowfall, it’s time to look to your attic and see about adding more vents.
Why are Ice Dams Dangerous?
Ice dams themselves can be incredibly dangerous for you and your home too. First of all, as they melt or strong winds blow, they can break off and harm anyone or anything underneath them with their sharp point and weight, making them a serious hazard. As for your house, if left undisturbed, they can destroy your gutters, loosen roofing shingles, and lead to leaks.
Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!
The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing systems look great and function properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.