The cold winter months can cause an excess of wear and tear on your home. One of the most common issues a home can face is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams occur when water freezes near the edge of your home’s roof as it runs off the house. When an excess of water freezes, this results in mounds of ice commonly known as ice dams. Ice dams are damaging to your roof and home, as it can result in rust, peeling paint, stains, rotting, and broken shingles and other fixtures. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming.
Maintain Attic Insulation | Take time to ensure your attic is properly insulated. When attics lack the proper insulation level, the roof is more susceptible to air loss, which can cause ice dams to form. At Intelligent Design Corp, we provide our customers with a team of professional contractors that can efficiently install high-quality insulation in attics. To learn more about our services, contact us today.
Proper Roof Insulation | If you don’t have an attic, you should still take the time to ensure your roof is properly insulated. Roof insulation should have an R-value of at least 38. When your roof isn’t properly insulated, it allows warm air to leak. Not only does this create a less energy-efficient space in your home, it also creates the perfect environment for ice dams to collect on your roof. By measuring and maintaining the insulation in your roof, you can prevent ice dams from forming and ruining your home’s exterior.
Maintain Ventilation | In order to prevent ice dams from forming along your roof, you need to ensure your roof remains too cold for snow and ice to melt and refreeze. Ensuring your home has proper soffit-to-ridge ventilation will keep the air along your roof cool enough to prevent any snow and ice from melting and refreezing.
Clean the Gutters | Before the snow begins to fall, remember to routinely clean your home’s gutters. Leaves, twigs, and other debris clog gutters and make it difficult for water to properly transport through and out of the system, which can result in freezing water and the formation of ice dams. If your gutters are damaged and in need of repair, contact Intelligent Design Corp. Our team of professional contractors can help you establish a durable and reliable gutter system for your home.
While you may find yourself wanting to get indoors as quickly as possible to avoid the cold winter winds, it’s important to remember to keep an eye out for damaging forces, such as ice dams, accumulating on your home. Taking the necessary steps to prevent ice dams from forming can save you from enduring costly damage in the future. For assistance with attic insulation and gutter repair, contact Intelligent Design Corp. We are happy to assist you in establishing a comfortable and secure home.
