Preventing and Tending to Ice Dams: A How-To

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

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With the weekend forecast calling for potential snow accumulations, it's important to recognize if and when your roof might be in trouble. Ice dams are one of the most damaging weather-related issues and are a direct result of high levels of snow buildup on the roof, so why not try to prevent them while you can? By taking these precautions, your roof (and your attic) could be ice dam free!

1. Don't heat the roof: To prevent an ice dam, keep your roof cold. This way, the snow on your roof will eventually dissipate without leaving too much water behind. Try your best to keep the underside of your roof deck under 30 degrees. 
2. Properly insulate: To maintain low temperatures, there must be adequate insulation and sealing gaps that let warm air pass into the attic from the house. Insulate the areas between the roof rafters, but keep a pathway between the roof deck and insulation to prevent condensation.
3. Ventilate your attic: When your attic is ventilated, cold air is introduced into it and heated air escapes quickly. Some contractors believe that heat passing through the attic helps prevent ice dams, but quite the opposite is true. While heat will melt the snow, once the water reaches the cold eves it freezes and forms an ice dam.

Homes with ice dams on the roof are often left with shadow lines, which are dark lines of moisture that appear on the ceiling. To remove the lines, clean off the mildew with a solution of 1 quart of bleach and 3 quarts of warm water, then rinse with clear water and let it dry. If it appears that the surface is stained, you will need to do some repainting.

Instead of taking a risk this winter, call Phil's Main Roofing and help us help you! Our team of roofing experts can prepare your home to withstand all circumstances, and with our repair and preventative maintenance programs, your roof will be ready to bear a storm in no time.

Call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your free estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com.