Ice Damming Do I New Roof

Every year snow build up on roofs is a major cause of damage to both the shingles and to the roof deck underneath.

Ice damming do i new roof. This roofing tutor article looks at causes and concerns of ice dams and snow. Ice dams are a common sight in northern new england winters and home partners has dealt with quite a few. We highly recommend calling a local reputable roofing company to remove and built up snow and and ice. An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the bottom layer of snow.

The answer unfortunately is yes. If not addressed early ice dam damage can be significant. Ice dams can be frustrating. For ice dams to form there must be snow on the roof and at the same time higher portions of the roof s outside surface must be above 32 degrees f freezing while lower surfaces are below 32f.

However once you have a leak you must not only remove the snow and ice you are then forced to replace costly items inside such as drywall ceiling textures paint insulation and more. This scenario is often the result of a warm attic. Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation adding insulation and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof.

First and foremost your roof needs to have at least 2 feet of ice and water installed at the eaves and valleys of the roof. Getting rid of ice dams for good is simple in principle. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.

This only occurs when part of your roof warms to above 32 degrees f warm enough to melt the snow while the roof edge remains below freezing. The ice and water should be installed underneath and prior to the installation of roofing shingles weather metal or asphalt on your roof. Heat loss from a house snow cover and outside temperatures interact to form ice dams. If you re having a roof replaced or repaired request the builder use an ice barrier material.

Even if you don t live in an ice dam region like minnesota colorado and wisconsin you may still consider ice barrier membrane for your home. Small icicles are usually harmless. Permanent fixes for ice dams. Having icicles doesn t necessarily mean your roof is harboring an ice dam.

Illustration by yuko shimizu. The snow melts into water and t.