Sunday, November 11, 2012

How can I prevent Ice Damming


Dana Wilson

Home Inspection Services LLC

978 831 7363

  • Water built up in gutters freezes and forms ice
  • This ice impedes melting roof snow from entering gutters
  • The holes in the gutters leading to down spouts freeze
  • Thawing conditions cause melting ice and snow to spill over the gutters (see pictures below)
  • Melting water backs up under shingles
  • The result is typically water penetration to the interior
  • Damage to interior, gutters/down spouts, windows and siding




    NUMBERED FROM PICTURE BELOW
         1. Heat Loss through attic melts snow on the roof 
     Reason - Lack of insulation

    2. Ice melting and water ponding above gutters
    Reason - Heat Loss and Warm temperatures during the day

    3. Ice / snow frozen at gutter and roof shingles
    Reason - no ice melting device

    4. Water backing up under shingles/dripping into attic
    Reason -Melting snow/water can't flow through gutters



    TYPICAL CAUSES OF ICE DAMMING:
    • Lack of Attic Insulation
    • Lack of Ventilation
    • Improperly sloped gutters
    • Gutters/down pouts that are not clean
    • Snow build up on roof
    • No Ice Melting Device


    TYPICAL SIGNS OF ICE DAMMING:
    • Icicles visible from exterior
    • Ice and snow built up in gutters
    • Snow built up on roof
    • Moisture stains/water on roof rafters
    • Water leakage at interior
    • Wet/damp spots on walls and ceilings



    HOW TO CONTROL WATER PENETRATION:
    • Eliminate the cause of water penetration
    • Cautiously remove snow from roof
    • Cautiously remove ice and icicles at the gutters
    • Catch the water in buckets to prevent further damage
    • Dry wet areas with towels and or heaters

    HAZARDS AND COMMON MISTAKES:

    • Climbing ladders: ladders are slippery/slide off roofs
    • Breaking icicles: can cause damage to the gutters, house and/or yourself
    • Chopping ice with an axe: can damage gutter and shingles
    • Removing snow: could lead to shingle and gutter  damage
    SPECIAL NOTE: Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on a roof. These chemicals are corrosive and can damage metal gutters, downspouts and flashing. Runoff that contains high concentrations of these chemicals can damage animals, grass and plants.


    POSSIBLE DAMAGES TO YOUR HOME:
    • Gutters/down spouts pulled away/hanging loose
    • Rot/deterioration due to water penetration
    • Drywall and plaster softens
    • Wet/damaged insulation
    • Possible future Mold growth
    • Wood destroying insects are attracted to wet areas

    PREVENTATIVE STEPS:

    • Clean gutters and down spouts
    • Realign gutters and down spouts
    • Install ice melt in gutters
    • Increase insulation and ventilation
    • When replacing the roof install an Ice guard
    • Ice melt system, weather guard or ice shield system

    Take the time to educate yourself in regards to the best Ice damming products that are available and what the best prevention is for your home and climate. Be proactive, if you’ve had ice damming in the past it will most likely occur again.




    HOW DO I GET RID OF ICE DAMS:
    1. Clean all the snow off your roof
    2. Hire a contractor that uses a steam machine
    3. Arctic Streamer is a very popular ice melt machine

    The best way to keep ice dams from causing roof damage is by being proactive and taking corrective measures prior to winter to prevent the freezing process from beginning.