Icicles may look pretty, but when they’re hanging from your eaves or gutters, they’re not a good sign. Aside from being potentially hazardous, icicles are often a symptom of a serious problem: ice damming.
What's an ice dam and what causes it? An ice dam is a buildup of ice at the eavestroughs or roof edges that prevents melted snow from draining off the roof. Ice damming occurs when the heat from inside your home passes through the roof, causing snow to melt, drip down and then freeze in or near the eavestrough—that is, at a spot not receiving this indoor heat. Over time this causes a buildup of ice that prevents drainage and causes water to pool on the roof. What damage can result from ice damming? Pools of water on your roof caused by ice damming can leak into your home damaging walls, ceilings, insulation and your belongings. And the ice dams themselves can damage or break eavestroughs due to their weight. How do you get rid of ice dams on your roof? The short-term solution is an extension roof rake. Use this device to safely remove snow from your roof without damaging the shingles. How do you prevent ice damming? The root of the problem is heat loss in your home. Proper insulation and ventilation of your attic is the best solution. Make sure the attic is well insulated and properly ventilated so that a minimum of heat rises into the attic. If you’re unable to control heat loss in your home, you can try a different approach. In some cases, you can resolve the problem by improving drainage off your roof through the gutters. This could involve adjusting the slope of the eavestroughs and downspouts or keeping them clean of leaves and other debris that prevent water from draining. Is damage from ice damming covered by insurance? Many home insurance policies cover damage caused by ice damming. Check with your insurance provider to see what options are available to you for this type of coverage. Roofing and exterior services in Edmonton One of the best defenses against ice damming and the damage it causes is a quality roof. An expertly shingled roof made with high quality shingles facilitates drainage and guards against leakage caused by water pooling. For the best residential or commercial roofing services, including replacement and repair, you can trust the roofing contractors at Belvedere Roofing located right here in Edmonton. Contact us today to get a free quote!
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