Winter weather brings many elements that can damage homes, and one of the most damaging is ice dams. What are ice dams exactly? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof preventing melting snow from draining properly off the roof. This causes the water to back up behind the roof potentially causing damage that can leak into walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. This often occurs when temperatures fluctuate between freezing (below 32 degrees) and above freezing.
In most of our homes, heat escapes through the ceilings into the attic…warming the wood and shingles above it. When melting snow/water runs down the roof and hits the area that has not been warmed, it creates the ridge or dam. Once that is created, the water starts backing up. The key to preventing ice dams is to keep the entire attic and roof area cool and not allow warming to take place.
Here’s what you need to do to prevent ice dams and the damage that ensues:
Stop Air Leaks
Most homes suffer 1/3 of their heat loss through their ceilings into the attic. This occurs through air leaks in gaps in drywall, cracks around light fixtures and power outlets, pipes and chimneys. In order to stop the air leaks, you’ll need to go into the attic, pull back insulation and plug and caulk the leaks completely.
Ensure you have adequate insulation levels
Attic insulation should have an R-Value of about R-40 and 12- 14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose. Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are usually a better option as they more tightly fill around your rafters and joists and leave much less room for any gaps or leaks.
Make sure to add Roof & Soffit Vents
Ventilation for your attic will draw in the colder winter air and pull out the warm attic air, keeping the attic and roof cool in the process. A professional certified builder or roofer will be able to precisely measure and provide the exact measurements for roof and soffit vents for the size of home and roof you have.
Additionally, many areas around the country receive high amounts of snowfall, like ours! It is important to eliminate that snow from your roofs at times throughout the season when it is excessive. This again prevents damage and roof collapse.
We always want to be sure to protect our largest asset, our home.
Check back frequently throughout the winter months for more homeowner tips and to receive updates on the Omaha and Council Bluffs Real Estate Market.
