Next time you pull in the drive, take a quick assessment of your roofline. Notice any icicles? Are they large and thick? You could have an ice dam on your hands.
What is "Ice Damming" anyway?
An ice dam is a wall of ice buildup on the edge a roof-think gutters and eaves-that prevents snowmelt from draining properly. Ice dams exists when warm attic air heats up the underside of the roof and causes snow to melt. The runoff freezes on eaves and gutters, where the edge of the roof is still cold. As continued snowmelt heads toward the ice dam, it is forced under shingles and into the home. Translation: Water or structural damage to your home.
Learn How to Identify Ice Dams.
Ice dams can be a silent, significant source of water damage to your home. Remember to look for signs like large icicles on eaves and roof edges or water seeping through a door frame or window into your home.
Keep Snow from Accumulating on Your Roof as Much as Possible.
It's important to keep the roof free of obstacles. Use a snow rake to safely remove snow from the edges/eaves of the house, and make sure your gutters are clear before the winter season.
Trim Trees Near Your House.
Even the slight temperature difference created by the shade of a nearby tree could cool portions of your roof enough to bring about ice damming conditions. Anything that helps keep the temperature of your roof uniform with the environment surrounding it will help prevent ice dams.
Keep Your Roof/Attic Cool.
The goal is to keep the roof the same temperature as its outer edges. This involves increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing all air leaks that could let heat under the roof. For example, add more insulation to the attic floor to reduce rising heat, make sure recessed lighting cans are insulated, and look for ducts or bathroom fans that are vented into the attic.
Consider a Metal Roof or Water Shielding
A metal roof may not be an option for everyone, but they can greatly reduce the risk of numerous types of damage. When it comes to ice damming, metal roofs deny freezing precipitation anything to cling to and are less likely to leak. Water shielding provides protection from leaks with a thin, rubberized asphalt membrane placed under a shingled roof.
Educate Yourself on How to Address Active Ice Damming
If you’re experiencing ice damming, be careful NOT to climb on your icy roof or attempt to break the ice dam with force. With someone spotting you and supporting your ladder, you may want to attempt to clear snow and ice from the side of your house with calcium chloride or a snow rake. If water is flowing into your home, you may attempt to make channels to divert the flow of the water. On a warmer day, you may consider hosing the dams with tap water, being careful to work upward from the lower edge of the dam. In the event of any of these measures, you will still want to follow up with a professional to assess any potential damage and explore solutions.
Make Sure You Know if Ice Dams Are Covered by Your Insurance
It’s never a bad time to examine your homeowner’s policy and make sure you know what’s covered, but it’s especially prudent when extreme weather conditions are present.
Whatever you do, make sure to take proper precautions to maintain your personal safety as well as the safety of anyone nearby. If you have any additional questions on the best ways to protect your home and your family this winter, contact your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. As a reminder if you do experience damage, promptly report your claim by calling us at 877-324-6764 (877-FBINSMI) or by contacting your Agent.