Have you noticed an alarming amount of ice and snow buildup on your roof? Think you might have an ice dam, but you’re not quite sure what an ice dam even is? At Kiser Construction, we know just how damaging ice dams can be to any home. And, though we might be well-known as a restoration company, we also provide ice dam removal because we’re well aware of the repercussions ice and water can have on your home. To help you recognize when one of these damaging formations has taken up residence on your roof, we’ve put together this brief ice dam overview.
What Is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a large, thick ridge of ice that forms along the edges of a sloped roof. As this ice accumulates, it prevents water (from melting snow further up on your roof) from traveling downward and draining into your gutters. Ice dams can also form around protrusions in your roof, such as vents and skylights, and within roof valleys, where two sloped sides of your roof meet.
Unfortunately, because an ice dam prevents water from exiting your roof, eventually, a substantial amount of water can begin to pool behind an ice dam. As it sits, it can begin to leak into your home through your roof—especially if your roof is deteriorating or damaged in any way.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when the temperature of your roof is uneven, which is typically the result of inadequate attic insulation. Here’s how the ice dam formation process occurs:
● The heat from inside your home rises into the attic and gradually heats up the underside of your roof. Eventually, the shingles become slightly warm due to the constantly rising heat from within your home.
● Snowfall on top of your roof gradually begins to melt due to the heat transfer from your shingles.
● The melted snow then slowly flows down the slope of your roof until it reaches the area around the gutters, where the temperature of the roof is still below 32° F. There, the water refreezes, forming ice.
● Snow located toward the peak of your roof continues to melt and flow down the roof, where it joins up with the existing ice and continues to refreeze and accumulate.
● When a substantial amount of ice accumulates, it prevents further water runoff from exiting the roof so that water begins to pool.
● If the water sits long enough, it will begin to make its way through the shingles, where it will begin causing water damage.
Potential Negative Effects of Ice Dams
Obviously, if water seeps beneath your shingles, you’re going to find home damage. However, the extent of the damage will depend on the current state of your roof, and how long you allow the water to remain on the roof before removing the ice dam. Here’s what can happen if you allow an ice dam to hang out on your roof for too long:
● Shingle and roof decking water damage
● Attic damage
● Ceiling damage around the interior of your home
● Interior wall damage
● Roof collapse
Convinced you need to call an ice dam removal company yet? If so, our team at Kiser Construction can perform same-day ice dam removal in Minneapolis. Anything you can do to avoid water damage restoration is your best bet for saving a substantial amount of money on home repairs.
Kiser Construction: Your Ice Dam Removal Specialists
At Kiser Construction, we know Twin Cities homes are especially prone to ice dam formation due to the incredible amount of precipitation we receive each winter. We also know that unless you have an ice dam removed promptly, it can potentially cause extensive damage to your home. If you’ve noticed excessive ice formation around the edges of your roof, don’t hesitate to contact our team for roof steaming and ice dam removal! We might be well-known throughout Minneapolis for our restoration services, but if we can save you from requiring water damage restoration, we’re more than happy to do it! To learn more about how we can save your home from water damage or to schedule your service appointment, give our team a call at 763-633-2010.
If you’re in need of emergency service following a flood, fire, or other incident, please feel free to call our emergency line at 612-518-8852.