How to Prevent Ice Dams This Winter
Living in Oregon means homeowners also have winter months that bring snow and ice. A Roof is a home’s first line of defense against water damage to a home. When the weather turns cold, ice dams are a real threat to a roof. And ice dam formations can be damaging to your home and create a need for a roof replacement. They appear as uneven heat distribution creates hot spots on your rooftop, which melts snow. That snow freezes as it reaches your roof’s eaves, creating an ice dam and preventing your roof from being able to drain properly.
To protect your roof and save it from the damaging effects of ice dams, here are some measures you can take:
- Add Attic Insulation— One of the best ways to prevent uneven distribution of heat to your roof is through proper attic insulation. Adding insulation to the floor of your attic will help to create an even temperature throughout the space, keeping heat pockets from melting snow on your roof.
- Install Proper Ventilation— Your roof needs to vent to maintain temperatures. Ensure that the eaves and soffits of your roof have adequate ventilation.
- Caulk Around Points of Air Loss— Vents, skylights, chimneys, and flashing can be areas of air loss without proper sealing, creating pockets of cooler and warmer temperatures in the attic. Keeping a roof tightly sealed helps maintain interior temperatures.
- Place Exhausts Strategically— When placing the ducts connected to vents, never put them under the soffit. Always vent your home through the roof or the siding of a home.
Don’t allow ice dams to create water damage or weaken the integrity of your shingles. If you find yourself needing a roof replacement or you think your roof has experienced damage, contact our team today!
