Dealing with an ice dam can be one of the priciest repair jobs when it comes to property damage. If you’ve got one, chances are your roof’s already sprung a leak, which you’ll have to fix pronto. Plus, you’ve got the added task of getting rid of all that ice on your roof! The smartest move to prevent these ice dams is to learn what causes them in the first place. It’s no surprise that your roof plays a big role here. We’re here to show you why some roofs get ice dams and how to stop this from happening!

Roof Pitch

Believe it or not, the slope of your roof actually plays a role in ice dam formation! When it rains during the colder months of the year, those roofs with higher pitches will have a much easier time getting rainwater to flow off them. If you’re dealing with a commercial building or multi-family unit, you’ll likely have a flat roof. Flatter roofs can’t expel water as effectively as those with a higher pitch, making them more susceptible to ice dam formation. However, it’s not impossible to prevent ice dams if you do have a roof with a flat pitch.

Attic Insulation

A critical factor in controlling the formation of ice dams is ensuring that your attic insulation is up to code. The less attic insulation you have, the more heat will escape from your living area. That heat results in snowmelt on the roof. As the water flows to the colder edge of the roof, it will freeze. The refreeze results in ice backing up under shingles and into the attic causing water damage to the interior of the property. 

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters create numerous problems, especially in winter. While roof leaks are common in warmer months, ice dams dominate during winter! Make sure to thoroughly clean your gutters to prevent ice dam formation. Even though leaves aren’t falling now, remnants might still be lodged in your gutters. The cleaner they are, the less likely you are to face an ice dam problem.

Water Damage Restoration With Soil-Away

If your roof has been affected by ice dams, you’ll likely be dealing with a water damage issue as a result of a roof leak. Soil-Away can ensure that any of the ensuing damages are eliminated, giving your property a hard reset from disaster in times when things look bleak. We can respond 24/7 to start the process immediately and get your property back into shape. If you’re dealing with a water damage issue, don’t delay; click here to contact our team and solve it!