Six Ways to Defend Against Ice Dams in Winter

1/4/2020 (Permalink)

We know how devastating a water disaster can be, but we are here to help!

Property owners in Portage County can have water damage stemming from the roof. This is a bigger threat after winter storms than any other. The problem starts with ice dams: the roof melts snow, water flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes there.

This cycle repeats and ice accumulates in layers, but also pushes under shingles. It eventually leaks into walls, ceiling and even insulation. This can be heavy enough to pull gutters off buildings or detach.

Here are ways to defend against ice dams:

1. Survey your attic to finds openings: Insulate or caulk these openings in chimneys, plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, fan outlets, and junction boxes.
2. Improve the attic entrances: Entrances are the biggest offenders that channel heat into attics.
3. Increase insulation. Attics should ideally have at least a foot of insulation between living spaces and attic interiors.
4. Inspect ventilation outlets: Heat that enters the attic needs an easy escape route make sure that they are not blocked and are working properly.
5. Remove heavy snow from roofs: Snow insulates the attic which increases the attic temperature.
6. Call a professional. If you suspect ice dams are a problem for your house, call a professional like SERVPRO.

We know how devastating a water disaster can be, but we are here to help! Call SERVPRO of Portage County (330) 677-4483 to help get your home restored efficiently.