DETROIT – With ever-changing temperatures outside and melting snow, AAA is warning Michigan residents about the danger of ice dams.
Not only can they harm the roof of your home, but if left unnoticed or untreated, they can also do serious damage INSIDE your home.
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WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
Ice dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. You might have an ice dam at your home if you have icicles that form along the edge of your roof and/or gutters, or if your gutters are filled with ice.
“Ice dams are more common here in the northern part of the U.S., but they can form anywhere there are drastic temperature shifts,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA. “It’s important to know what you’re looking for, because this can lead to costly repairs to your attic, walls, ceilings, insulation, and flooring.”
HOW DO ICE DAMS FORM?
1. Ice dams form when heat inside the house enters the attic and melts snow on the roof.
2. That melted snow then drips down your roof and re-freezes when it reaches the colder eaves (the part of the roof that overhangs the wall). This ice accumulation is called an ice dam.
3. As more melted snow travels down the roof, it begins to re-freeze sooner, pushing its way under the shingles.
4. The water then finds holes in the roof decking – either between sheets of plywood or around nails – and begins to drip into your attic.
“Once the water is inside your house, it can cause paint to peel, floors to warp, and soggy insulation. If that water is left unattended, it could lead to mold and mildew,” Woodland said. “Additionally, ice dams may cause some damage to the roof by loosening shingles, rotting the wood or tearing off gutters.”
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE AN ICE DAM?
Don’t panic – call a professional! Breaking off ice might seem like an easy task, but if it’s removed incorrectly, you could risk causing MORE damage to your home – or injuring yourself in the process. Instead, hire a licensed contractor who has experience with removing ice and who can assess if you have any damage to your home.
“If you notice water damage or leaks coming into your home, contact your insurance provider immediately to review your plan’s coverage and file a claim,” Woodland said. “Many policies have ice dam coverage, but exclusions could apply. Even if you don’t have damage, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance agent to make sure you fully understand your coverage options.”
HOW CAN I PREVENT ICE DAMS FROM FORMING?
The key to ice dam prevention is to keep your roof the same temperature as your eaves. There are several ways you can accomplish this before snow begins accumulating:
- Increase your attic ventilation by using soffit, gable and ridge vents to help circulate air through the attic, ensuring a constant temperature.
- Examine your insulation to make sure it’s not blocking the vents. You’ll also want to check the depth of your insulation.
- Prevent heat from escaping into your attic by ensuring that all attic ducts are sealed and properly insulated, and that any exhaust fans lead outdoors, not to the attic.
- Consult a professional if your attic is a living space. You may need vents installed or insulation added.
While it’s important to keep the bottom of your roof and its gutters clear of snow, fixing the insulation in your attic is a safer and more effective way of preventing ice dams. You should NEVER climb on your roof to shovel snow or try to remove ice dams yourself.
Always call a professional if you need ice dams removed from your home. When choosing a company for removal, be sure to ask about their methods – as chipping or sawing away at the ice can cause damage to roof shingles.