What is an Ice Dam?
Ice dams are exactly what they sound like: dams of thick ice that gather at the edges of roofs.
Pittsburgh roofing contractors warn that they can also overtake your siding and
gutters, causing damage to areas in addition to the roof. If you ask a roofer in Pittsburgh, they know that most ice dams form along the eaves of a roof, interior rooms with vaulted ceilings, skylights, or valleys. When heat escapes from these areas, it comes into contact with ice and snow to create these formations.
Ice Dam Dangers
To the untrained eye, these formations can just look like pretty icicles. But to a Pittsburgh roofing company, they pose a few dangers. These clumps of hard snow serve as barriers that prevent rain and snow from successfully draining off the roof, creating opportunities for mildew and mold to form. Pittsburgh roofing contractors also say that shingles and gutters are likely to be damaged, which may result in needed roof repair in Pittsburgh. If you’re a roofer in Pittsburgh, you’ll be familiar with the damage caused during
snowfall. If you don’t place a call to a reputable Pittsburgh roofing company in time, these dams have been known to:
- Loosen shingles
- Tear gutters off
- Cause serious leaks in your home
If the damage reaches this level, it can also cause damage beyond just roof repair in Pittsburgh. You could also experience peeling paint inside your home, floors that become warped, or even a sagging ceiling.
Prevention and Removal
Depending on the area you live in, a Pittsburgh roofing company will tell you that ice dams can be unavoidable. The key is to address them quickly so that they don’t linger, causing more damage in the long run. First, call a roofer in Pittsburgh to examine your roof to ensure areas prone to these formations have proper ventilation. Beyond this, make sure to remove the ice dam as soon as possible. The good news is, a qualified roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, PA, can remove these from your home. This will prevent the dams from growing and causing more damage. Before trying to remove one yourself, make sure to contact your local Pittsburgh roofing company to ensure the removal happens safely and properly. You don’t want to end up hurting yourself or making the damage to your home worse.
Call a Roofing Contractor in Pittsburgh, PA Today
Ice dams can be damaging, but with the right team on your side, you can clear these pesky hazards and worry less about your roof this winter. If you see one starting to form on the side of your home, give your local Pittsburg roofing company a call to take care of it.
