![]() Insulation usually has a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from passing further inside. Insulation is usually not very dense, which means that it may absorb water somewhat freely. Depending on the region and the type of insulation, it may be several inches thick. However, with a pool of water sitting on it for hours a day, it will rot over time and allow moisture to enter the home. The roof decking is designed to block some moisture. The melted ice and snow eventually pass through these gaps and soaks into the wood underneath. Eventually, the roofing material could develop tiny gaps, old flashings around chimneys can wear out and create a leak, and the ice dam can even loosen shingles and increase the likelihood that they will blow off in strong winds. A new roof that is well-sealed with proper attic insulation may withstand heavy snow, but even this arrangement will not last forever if it is not maintained. Structural Damageįollowing the path of melted water helps homeowners to understand how an ice dam can cause so much damage in a relatively short period of time. ![]() The potential for structural and physical harm should prompt homeowners to take action as soon as they think an ice dam is forming. Although much of the immediate risk residents face goes away with winter, the long-term concerns resulting from water damage to the structure may linger for months or years. ![]() The longer the ice dam sits, the more problems it can create. Roof and structural repairs after an ice dam can potentially cost thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. However, this can also be a frequent problem, particularly around chimneys or furnace flues.Īlthough ice dams may be somewhat difficult for homeowners to spot, they can cause a surprising amount of damage. Generally, ice dams will not form unless the warmer spots on the roof are higher. This is highly common, especially in older Breckenridge homes with outdated gutters or old insulation. Specifically, the roof must have inconsistent temperatures. The water may freeze to the roof or pass through gaps in the roofing material and leak inside the home.Īny house can have problems with an ice dam, but it requires a specific set of circumstances. It extends until it creates pools of melted water that freeze and take up a larger portion of the roof surface. As the dam builds, it becomes more difficult for melted snow to drain away. An ice dam slows or prevents a natural runoff through the gutters. Typically on warmer days, the snow will melt and simply flow off the roof. As the outside temperature gets colder again at night, the melted water refreezes into ice on the roof. These warm spots often result due to heat transfer from the furnace, or warmth from a fireplace from inside the home. Many regions have winter temperatures that rise above freezing during the day and drop back down overnight. If there are warm spots due to insufficient insulation or other issues, certain parts of the roof will melt snow more quickly. Breckenridge real estate is no stranger to ice dams. In areas with moderate winters and regular snowfall, ice dams can be fairly common. How to Prevent Ice Dams: Long-Term Solutions.If you own property in an area prone to snowy winters, or if you plan on buying a ski home, understanding and addressing the following issues before snowfall can make a significant difference. With this information, homeowners will understand how ice dams develop, the most effective ways to prevent them, faster solutions to eliminate an existing ice dam, and tips to avoid causing more damage. Fortunately, there are ways to stop it from happening. Without the proper precautions and resources, a single ice dam can cost thousands of dollars and take months to repair. If homeowners do not know what to look for, they may not realize how serious the problem is. Ice dams can make a home look like a nice and cozy postcard, but they can cause a lot of damage. Specifically, lingering snow on the roof can melt and freeze every day, creating an ice dam - a common problem for many homeowners every year. Without an adequate barrier that maintains a steady climate for the roof similar to the outside temperature, problems can arise. Keeping a home's interior nice and warm is certainly important, but keeping the exterior cold is even more so in some ways. Preventing and Removing Ice Dams: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeownersįor anyone who lives in an area that gets a decent amount of winter weather, there are plenty of reasons to think about insulation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |