Ice dams are a common problem for Wisconsin homeowners, especially during the winter months. They can lead to water leakage inside your home, damaging ceilings, walls, and insulation.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming and protect your home from these costly issues.
How do ice dams form?
Ice dams happen when heat from your attic melts snow on the roof. The melted snow travels down to the colder eaves, where it refreezes, forming a dam.
As more snow melts and freezes, the dam grows, trapping water behind it. This trapped water can seep into your home, causing leaks and water damage. Here are tips to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof:
How to prevent ice dams on your roof
Improve attic insulation
One of the main causes of ice dams is heat escaping from your attic. Warm air rising from your living spaces can heat your attic, causing snow on the roof to melt.
The best way to prevent this is by improving your attic insulation. Insulating your attic properly keeps warm air inside, reducing the chance of snow melting and refreezing at the eaves. Ensure that your attic has enough insulation to keep the temperature consistent across the roof.
Increase roof ventilation
Inadequate ventilation can cause the upper parts of your roof to warm up, while the lower part stays cold.
This temperature difference causes the snow to melt, refreeze, and form ice dams. Installing roof vents allows cool air to enter your attic and hot air to escape, which keeps the roof temperature consistent.
Seal gaps and leaks
Gaps in your attic can allow warm air from the living area to enter, which heats up parts of the roof. Check for any leaks or openings around pipes, ducts, and vents, and seal them with weatherproof caulk.
This helps to keep your attic cold and prevents warm air from reaching your roof. Sealing these gaps is a simple but effective way to keep ice dams from forming.
Remove snow regularly
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to remove snow from your roof regularly.
Use a roof rake with a long handle to safely remove snow from the edges of the roof, where ice dams are most likely to form, and be careful not to damage your shingles while raking off the snow.
Install heat cables
For extra protection, install heat cables along the eaves of your roof. These cables melt the snow and ice, preventing it from refreezing and forming a dam. They are an effective solution, especially in areas with severe winter weather.
However, heat cables should be used in combination with other prevention methods to be truly effective.
Give your Wisconsin home maximum protection this winter
As a Wisconsin insurance provider, we understand that ice dams can lead to significant property damage and costly repairs.
Preventing ice dams not only protects your home but also helps you avoid the financial strain of filing claims and dealing with damage restoration. Contact us at T4 Insurance Solutions to ensure you’re covered for the winter season ahead.