How Ice Dams Cause Water Damage To Your Home

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Freezing temperatures are on the way for Central Indiana and homeowners need to be on the watch for ice dams.

Many of us enjoy the beauty of icicles hanging over the eaves of our home during the winter months. Unfortunately, this can be a sign of an imminent problem for your home. Ice dams are thick ridges of ice that build up along eaves or the lower levels of rooflines. They are created when snow melts on an upper, warmer part of the roof and the meltwater runs down to the colder eaves then freezes. This ice accumulates and forms a blockage. This blockage (or dam) causes the melted water from the roof to back up behind it, flowing under shingles and eventually into the home itself. The result can be serious damage to the exterior of your home, pulling down shingles and gutters. It can also be the cause of wet insulation, walls and warped flooring inside. 

The best way to prevent ice dams from occurring is to ensure the air in the attic doesn't get too warm, thus preventing the melting that leads to the build up of ice. Increase insulation to be sure no warm, moist air is able to move from your home's living spaces into the attic area. Maintaining colder temperatures in your attic area is the best way to prevent future ice dams. Properly ventilate your roof so that any warm air that does escape the living space into the attic is carried away.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, ice dams can occur during the winter months and the subsequent water damage to our homes can be devastating. If your home or business has flooding this winter, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North, and of Anderson at 317-773-0422. We are available anytime day or night to make your home "Like it never even happened."