The Dangers of Ice Dams In New England

As you know, it’s been a cold and snowy winter here in New England. This week, the sixth major storm of the season is dumping another 16-24 inches of snow, and it’s time to become aware of potential areas of concern regarding your home. With extreme winter conditions, homes and buildings have been under severe strain this winter, and many roofs are reaching their snow load capacity. In addition, ice dams have been forming that put further strain on your roof’s load capacity. If you have large icicles hanging from your eave, this is an indication that your attic may be poorly insulated, and you may be forming hazardous ice dams.

An ice dam occurs when snow accumulates on your roof, with the initial layer melting and the top remaining frozen. The problem is that your home’s roof is designed to shed water, and in fact is NOT actually waterproof. When an ice dam occurs, the melted snow works its way under the shingles and creates leaks. The same melted snow drips over gutters and the face boards of a house, creating icicles. This is an issue that certainly should not be overlooked, as it could lead to extensive damage to your home.

What to Look For

Think you may have an ice dam? Here are four indicators to look for:

1. Significant build up of snow and ice
2. Large icicles hanging from eave
3. Fluctuation of outside temperature
4. A poorly insulated attic (one that is not within 15 degrees of outside temperature)

Solutions to Reduce the Effects of Ice Dams

Ventilation is paramount in preventing ice dams. Your roof must be able to breathe and maintain a cool temperature. Preferably, you want to have the attic temperature within 15 degrees of the outside temperature to prevent ice dams and icicles from forming. In addition, here are some things you can do to help:

1. Remove the first 3-6 feet of snow from the leading edge of your roof
2. Install heating cables on the leading edge of your roof to prevent future ice dams
3. Reduce unwanted attic heat sources
4. Survey your home for mold and mildew
5. If you’re having your roof redone in the future, avoid complicated roof designs if you live in a cold and snowy climate.

If an ice dam has formed on your roof, this likely means that you have a poorly insulated and ventilated attic. It could lead to a winter of higher fuel bills, mold growth, and health problems such as asthma, colds, and allergies.

The damaging effects that may result:

* A leaking roof (severity of leak depends on extent of ice dam)
* Moisture buildup leading to mold
* Wet and ineffective insulation
* Stained or cracked plaster or drywall
* Rotting timber
* Stained, blistered, or peeling paint
* Potential health concerns (asthma, colds, and allergies)

Contact Olympic Roofing

Correcting ice damming and removing snow from your roof can be a difficult task during the winter. If your roof is showing any signs of reaching it’s weight capacity or you’ve noticed ice dams forming, these should be corrected immediately. Often those who refuse to fix the issue sooner rather than later actually end up paying more when serious reconstruction is needed. A simple call to Olympic Roofing may be the difference between severe roof damage and health concerns, or a secure and healthy home this winter.

If you’re concerned that your roof is in danger of reaching it’s maximum snow load capacity, or you have an ice dam forming, call Olympic Roofing at 1 (800) 535-4312. You can also get in touch with us via email by contacting dloehr@olympicroofing.com. We have crews standing by for roof snow removal.

Have a safe and happy week, and keep out of the snow and cold the best you can!

Warm regards,

The Olympic Team

Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s premier roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.