Homeowners Guide To Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover an ice dam in your home it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage.

Whether you have lived in a cold climate all of your life or recently moved to Serenada, TX, a winter storm is a force to be reckoned with. One aspect many homeowners do not know a lot about is the ice dam. What is it? Can it be prevented?

Tips To Identify an Ice Dam

Just as dams are constructed to hold water back, the same concept occurs on the exterior of your home. Snow melts into water which then freezes. The block of ice prevents further water from draining, creating a dam effect. This may be happening to your home if you notice the following:

• The most common place that dams occur is on the roof. Inspect the roof throughout the season, especially after a winter storm cycle where the weather fluctuates.
• Pay close attention to the icicles. If there is water backed up behind them with no place to go, you may have a problem.
• When dams are present, the water likely finds a way into your house. Examine the attic, ceiling and walls for evidence of dampness.

Steps for Ice Dam Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent ice dams both before and during the winter storm season:

• Before there is a chill in the air, take actions to keep your attic cool. Heat rising from the house to the roof melts snow faster causing problems later on. Consider increasing insulation, sealing openings and improving ventilation.
• During the freezing weather remove rooftop snow after storms, keep gutters clear and remove identified dams as needed.

Sometimes ice dam prevention methods are not sufficient. If you discover an ice dam at your house in Serenada, TX, it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact a storm restoration professional and check with your homeowners’ insurance agent to see if the damage is covered under your individual policy.