Why Am I Getting Ice Damming?

Though your roof is meant to be one of the primary levels of defence between your home and the outside world, extreme elements can easily compromise this relationship. One example is known as ice damming.

When temperatures get to below 0 Celsius, ice can begin forming at the edge of your roof. When the snow above it begins to melt, this layer of ice provides a dam, forcing the water underneath your roof’s shingles and eventually into your home. Signs of ice damming on the inside include tea-coloured stains on your ceilings and walls. The water can destroy your plaster, wallboard and insulation.

Another sign most people don’t worry about is icicles. Most of us just associate them with winter. While icicles can be dangerous in their own right, if you notice a bulging layer of ice under the snow right above them, this can be a sign that your home is in danger.

 

It’s important to have this issue evaluated and addressed by a professional service. For one thing, you’ll want to know how bad the damage is, if there is any. Furthermore, as ice damming generally occurs above the first floor, you could put yourself at serious risk of injury if you attempt to handle this problem on your own.

The right professional service can also remove the issue of ice damming without compromising your roof or home. Removal is actually a very slow and delicate process, so it pays to have a professional handle it for you.

Lastly, a professional contractor will know if it’s a problem that may recur due to poor insulation or ventilation. Either of these issues causes enough warmth below your roof to melt the snow and cause ice damming to form. Spray foam insulation is often the best solution.

At Above All Insulation, we have the experience and knowledge to diffuse ice damming before it becomes something far worse. If the description above sounds like a familiar problem, call us for Winnipeg Insulation services as soon as possible.