As much as you may enjoy the snow in the winter, it can cause problems for your home that necessitate Chesterfield roof repair services. When the snow on your roof melts, it runs off like rain. But if the temperature drops again after the snow starts to melt, you’ll have to deal with ice dams. These formations can cause damage to your roof and drainage system, leaving you with a large roof repair cost. Read on to discover more about ice dams, the damage they may do, and how to deal with or prevent them.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow on your roof, energy loss from your home, and outside temperatures interact. Snow on the roof and varying temperatures between roof sections are required. Specifically, the top must be above 32°F and the bottom below, with the surrounding air average below 32°F.
Icicles decorate your property as the snow melts off your roof and falls down to the colder bottom section. They start to obstruct the passage of more melting snow as they expand. As this happens, the ice constructions function as a barrier, preventing the melted water from draining off your roof. The moisture starts to press up beneath your tiles, causing roof leaks. It can also penetrate roof trim.
If you have a blizzard followed by subzero conditions, ice dams are likely to occur. They can do it with one inch of snow. Dams build faster when there is more snow and colder temperatures.
What Ice Dams Do
Ice dams are a typical cause of roof leaks, which can result in costly interior damages. Insulation is likely compromised if your attic leaks. Wet insulation is useless and might promote mold development. The water might then leak into your walls, causing drywall damage, wood rot, and electrical shorts. Wet wall insulation sinks to the ground, leaving the top walls inadequately insulated, increasing your energy expenditure.
This type of injury is difficult to detect. Peeling paint, stains on the ceiling, and broken wallboards are obvious, but other sorts of damage may be disguised. Moisture trapped between the external wall plywood and the vapor barrier causes rotten odors. Rusted metal connections and decaying timber damage the structural integrity of your home.
This is also harmful to your health. Mold and mildew may grow in your house, putting your family and guests in danger. This is true for allergy sufferers.
Preventing Ice Dams
Keep your roof chilly to avoid ice jams. First, install the proper insulation. Finding air leaks in your attic is next. Then check your roof ventilation to ensure it works properly. Ideally, you should do this during construction or at least before moving in. Your best chance is to engage professional roofing and insulation specialists to come in and inspect your property for energy leaks, particularly up to the roof.
If your home’s roof or siding needs work, use the chance to detect and repair air leaks and update your insulation. Exterior repair tasks might provide you access to usually inaccessible enclosed places, allowing you to locate air leaks. Preventing ice dams saves money by improving the longevity of your roof, preserving the structural integrity of your home, and keeping insulation operating properly.
Call a Chesterfield Roof Repair Pro
Contact Gateway Brothers Construction for a professional inspection or emergency ice dam assistance. So you know whether your roof is damaged and how much it will cost to repair it. Call (314) 341-6352 or visit us on Angi to read some of our verified reviews.