Well, it looks like we are possibly in for some severe winter weather in Kentucky at the beginning of next week. We don’t get crazy winter storms a lot, so it’s easy to feel anxious and unprepared when they do pop up. At Evergreen, we believe in educating and sharing information with our customers, equipping others to take care of their homes and buildings.
With winter storms, you probably have concerns about frozen pipes, access to water and food, and school/business closures. But how do winter storms affect your roof? What do you need to be on the lookout for? Let me tell you a little bit about “ice dams.”
What Is an Ice Dam?
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof when snow melts and refreezes. As we enter into a week with extended freezing temperatures, ice dams are highly likely to form on your roof.
How Do Ice Dams Form?
Ice dams form when the bottom layer of snow (closest to the roof surface) melts, runs down to the roof gutter line, and then re-freezes - forming a barrier or dam.
Ice dams are more likely to form on roofs with poor attic ventilation and lower slopes.
Attic Ventilation - When a roof doesn’t have proper attic ventilation, then hot air gets trapped in the attic and heats up the shingles on the roof. As the shingles warm up, they then melt the bottom layer of snow on the roof, setting off the formation of an ice dam.
Low Sloped Roofs - Once ice dams begin to form, they are far more likely to persist on roofs with a low slope. This is because the gradual incline prevents water from running off quickly, giving it ample time to refreeze at the roof’s colder edges. As a result, low-slope roofs create ideal conditions for ice dams to grow and remain in place.
The Dangers of Ice Dams
So why do ice dams matter?
Ice dams pose a significant threat to both the structural integrity of a home and its interior spaces. When ice accumulates along the roof's edge, it traps water from melting snow, preventing proper drainage. This trapped water can seep under shingles and penetrate the roof, leading to leaks, water damage, and even the development of mold and mildew inside the home.
Over time, the added weight of ice and snow can strain the roof structure, increasing the risk of collapse in extreme cases. Left unchecked, ice dams can also damage gutters, soffits, and fascia boards, requiring costly repairs. The longer they persist, the more extensive the damage can become, making prompt removal and prevention essential.
Signs of Ice Dams
Icicles - They might look pretty, but icicles are your first sign that you probably have an ice dam on your roof. Your roof, gutters, soffit, and fascia could be at risk of damage.
Large patches of snow on your roof - The trapped ice prevents proper drainage and insulates the roof, slowing the melting process in those areas.
Water stains/leaks on the interior - New roof leaks in winter storms are likely the result of an ice dam in the area. When water gets trapped and has nowhere to go, it will seep under the roof shingles and eventually into the interior of the home. The chance of leaking from ice dams is very likely for those with older roofs.
Removing Ice Dams
If you are worried about roof damage and leaking from an ice dam on your roof, then it’s best to remove the dam as soon as possible, especially since it looks like we are going to have freezing temperatures for the whole upcoming week.
You can remove an ice dam with steam/hot water. But never try to break them with sharp objects, as you’ll run the risk of damaging your roof in the process.
If you don’t feel safe/comfortable accessing the ice dam on your roof, then contact a roofing professional.
What Can I Do to Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Leaking?
Attic Insulation - Proper attic insulation helps prevent ice dams by minimizing heat loss from the home, keeping the roof's surface cold and reducing uneven snowmelt that contributes to ice dam formation.
Roof Ventilation - Proper roof ventilation helps prevent ice dams by maintaining a consistent temperature across the roof, preventing warm air from accumulating and causing uneven snowmelt. Roof ventilation is also important for the general health of your roof system, increasing the life of your roof overall.
Gutter Cleanout - Regular gutter cleanouts help prevent ice dams by ensuring melted snow can flow freely off the roof, reducing the likelihood of water pooling and refreezing at the eaves.
Ensure your roof system is equipped with proper underlayment materials, per the International Roofing Code.