Preparing your home for the winter is essential if you live in Colorado. It’s important to prepare your home for ice dams to ensure it remains safe and to prevent costly damages.
How ice dams form
Ice dams can occur during periods of heavy snowfall. They’re caused by escaping heat in your attic, which melts the snow and causes water to drain down the roof and freeze when it reaches the edge. This then backs up and causes water to remain on the roof rather than drain off.
Problems that can occur
Ice dams can be very problematic. They’ll often cause water to leak through small cracks in the roofing. These leaks can flow into the attic and damage the interior of your home. Health problems can also occur. The damp caused by ice dams could encourage mold growth in your home, which can cause respiratory problems.
Preventive measures
The most effective long-term preventive measure is to make sure that your ceiling is sealed tight. This will prevent warm air from escaping through the roof and melting the snow. It’s also worth checking that you have an adequate amount of insulation.
If you want to reduce the chance of ice dam formation, consult a professional contractor. He or she will be able to assess the airtightness of your ceiling to see if it provides an adequate amount of winterization, as well as pinpoint areas which are causing significant amounts of heat loss.
It’s very important that you don’t tamper with your roof if you have a significant amount of snow buildup or an ice dam. Doing so without the correct tools or knowledge of the procedures could cause you to damage your roof or suffer from an injury. If you have any problems, it’s always best to leave it in the hands of qualified professionals.
If you’d like more information on ice dams, or if you’re looking for a Colorado-based contractor, contact the pros at the Rheem Pro Partner. We can guide you in the right direction and recommend the best course of action.
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