Roofing Companies Near Me Minnetonka MN | How to Prevent Icicles This Winter (Part 1)
Icicles are interesting to look at but aren’t a good thing to have hanging down from your exterior. They appear when an ice dam forms. Ice dams form due to a discrepancy of temperature, usually from the outdoor air and your attic, that melts the snow. The melted snow then halts at the edge of your roof and refreezes due to the freezing temperature below your eaves. Icicles are formed when the water drips and meets the freezing air. Icicles have the potential to dislodge and impact whatever is below them; being that they’re so dangerously sharp, it’s important to never stand below them and risk severe injury. So, just how do you prevent icicles from forming? Here are 3 tips to help you minimize the risk of icicles forming on your roof this winter: Roofing Companies Near Me Minnetonka MN
Improve Insulation in the Attic
A good place to start is with an attic assessment. It’s often the case that old homes don’t contain an adequate amount of insulation. If you don’t have a well-insulated attic, this can lead to problems like ice dams and icicles. Improving the insulation in your attic is an efficient way to keep your home comfortable. Moreover, adequate insulation allows your attic temperature to remain consistent with the outdoor air. The discrepancy in temperatures between the outdoor air and your attic is often what leads to ice dams. Assess your attic insulation to help prevent ice dams from forming.
Seal Any Leaking Areas
Another great way to minimize the risk of icicles is to seal leaking areas around your home. These could appear in places such as your fireplace flues, chimney(s), kitchen vents, dryer vents, and air-outtake vents. Getting a roof inspection is a great way to determine if areas on or near your roof need to be sealed, or if you have other forms of roof damage that need to be promptly assessed. Consider that if warm air is leaking from your home, the snow on your roof will be impacted. The underside of your roof can become heated and melt the snow, leading to an ice dam. Ensure any leaks are sealed, and also ensure that vents don’t exhaust into the attic but rather the outdoors.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Before snowfall, safely assess your gutters. If they are filled with leaves and other debris, it’s important to clear them out. Keeping your gutters free of leaves and debris is important. In the warmer months, it helps the proper flow of drainage from rainwater. It’s also important gutters are clear during the winter because it helps prevent the buildup of ice and ice dams forming. However, it’s imperative that homeowners follow all safety precautions when accessing gutters to clean. If you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with accessing your gutters, contact the pros. Similarly, if you aren’t aware of how to safely maneuver while on a roof, ensure you contact local siding contractors to perform any roofing services you may need.
Icicles are no fun to deal with. If you require any roofing services such as a roof inspection or roof repairs, contact Capstone Bros Contracting. We’re proud to offer free roof inspections in Minnetonka & surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor in Minnetonka, and watch for Part 2 of this blog series.