Winter is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Blankets of white snow, hot chocolate, holidays, and a wondrous time of year for so many reasons. However, winter also brings cold weather. Homeowners must deal with frozen or burst pipes and countless other property damage. There are numerous reasons to consider insulation if you reside in a location that receives a significant amount of winter weather. Ordinary roof damage and frozen pipes may be the most commonly occurring problem. But, homeowners need to know about another winter complication — ice dams. Read on for a comprehensive overview of ice dams and how to prevent them from ruining your winter.
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams can occur from fall through spring after a snowfall. When snow accumulates on a roof, a cycle of melting and refreezing occurs. The process leads to a completely solid thick sheet of ice forming on the edge of your roof or other building structures.They mainly form due to the heat that escapes from keeping your house warm and snug. Those who live in areas with heavy snowfall are very familiar with this issue. Ice dams can make a house appear cozy like a postcard, but they can also cause significant harm.
The Pitfalls
Ice dams contribute towards the growth of bacteria and mold in the gutters. They block the drainage of water or snow from the roof of the house and, as a result, create a suitable home for such pests. They can be very expensive to maintain if not taken care of properly. The longer they are left alone, the more damage can be done to the gutters and roof. In turn, it can contribute to the peeling of paint and water leakage inside your house. You might even have to call your local Central PA roofing company to help you handle this.Central PA roofers can aid you in dealing with this hazard. Left unchecked this could cause serious harm to the people living in the house!
Preventions
While ice dams can be a bit of a headache, they can be easily prevented or even removed. One of the most common ways to prevent them from forming is to shovel the snow from the roof especially after a long day or night of snow. Central PA roofers could assist you in the removal of ice dams. You can also prevent the ice from forming by regulating and insulating the temperature in your house. Central PA roofing could ensure that the outside temperature matches the one inside the house. As a result, the temperature difference indoor and outdoor not being significant, the ice dams do not form.
Manage Ice Dams to Protect Your Home
Even though ice dams are gorgeous to look at and add to the external decorations of your homes during winter, it would be in your best interest and safety to ensure that these are removed whenever possible.
