Ice dam formations on the roof are one of the leading home maintenance problems that winter brings. If your roofing system has sustained winter damage in the form of ice dams, you’re probably wondering how those ice dams came to be. But as it is, knowing is just half the battle.
In this article, your trusted roofing company Tedrick’s Roofing lists down the four reasons why ice dams form on roofs during winter.
Reason #1: Heated attic
When snow falls and your attic is poorly insulated (read: reaches high temperatures very easily), it provides the ideal conditions for the snow on your roof to melt, only to freeze again on the eaves. To avoid this scenario, make sure that your attic has adequate insulation so that its temperature remains stable even during extreme weather.
Reason #2: Fluctuating temperatures
Some roofing problems are simply out of your control. In this case, it’s the temperature during winter, which can be slightly above freezing during the day but reach well below zero at night, that you won’t be able to regulate.
Reason #3: Radiant heat
Even if you can keep your roof’s temperature stable, there’s still one aspect that’s out of your hands — the heat coming from the sun. When the sun is out, snow melts, and there’s not much that a homeowner can do, except maybe rake the snow off the roof. Keep in mind that snow removal is a matter best left to professionals.
Reason #4: Ideal conditions
Much like matters that are out of your control, there are instances when all the perfect conditions for ice dam formation just line themselves up. Be especially wary when temperatures see-saw between 30 to 32 degrees, since those temperatures provide ideal conditions for snow to melt and refreeze.
When dealing with ice dams, make sure to work with a roofer you can trust, regardless of the season. Call Tedrick’s Roofing today at (206) 824-3440 for a free estimate. We serve Tacoma, WA.