One of the biggest problems Michigan homeowners face with their roofs during the Winter is ice dams. At Irish Roofing, we’ve got the scoop on what ice dams are, what causes them, and how to fix them.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a block of ice that forms at the edge of the roof (Larson et al). Because of these large ice chunks, water cannot properly drain off the roof. This blockage leads to other problems such as interior leaks and issues with insulation.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Unfortunately the nasty Michigan weather contributes to most of the ice dam issues. However, a leading culprit that leads to ice dams is poor ventilation on your roof. Proper ventilation ensures that your roof is an even temperature in all places. This prevents the snow and ice from melting from the top, and consequently freezing at the bottom of the roof in the form of ice dams.
How Can I Fix the Damage?
If you want to be proactive and prevent ice dams, give us a call and we will be happy to give you a free estimate to check out your ventilation system. 616-552-9070
Source:
Larson, Timothy, et al. “Dealing with and preventing ice dams.” University of Minnesota Extension, 2018,
extension.umn.edu/protecting-home-rain-and-ice/dealing-and-preventing-ice-dams.
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