Roofing Companies Near Me Plymouth MN | What Are Ice Dams?
What Are Ice Dams?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that is formed at or very close to the edge of your roof. Ice dams prevent snow that has melted into water from adequately draining from the roof. Therefore, the water that remains stuck behind the ice dam has nowhere to go. It can seep into your roof and enter your home, causing damage to your interior. This can happen especially quickly if you have preexisting storm damage impacting your roof. Ice dams form when there is snow on your roof in conjunction with conflicting temperatures, often from the outdoor air and your attic. Roofing Companies Near Me Plymouth MN
What Causes Ice Dams?
When the surface of your roof is experiencing a temperature discrepancy, this can lead to ice dams. If you have roof damage and you need roof repairs, this can result in leaks as well as the heat in your home escaping through these weakened points on your roof and causing inconsistent temperatures throughout your roof. Snow that is subjected to temperatures above freezing will melt and turn into water. As it flows down towards the edge of the roof, it will reach a part of your roof (typically over the eaves) that is below freezing and thus will turn into an ice dam. As more and more snow melts, the ice dam will become larger and continue to impact the areas of the roof that are, on average, below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the Impacts of Ice Dams?
Being that the dam grows in size as it collects more melted snow that turns to ice, it can quickly become a big problem for your roof. The water that doesn’t melt will get blocked behind the ice dam and have nowhere to go. With nowhere else to go because it’s blocked from drainage, this water can penetrate through your roof and seep into the layers under your shingles. This process is often expedited if you have preexisting storm damage like wind or hail damage. (This is one major reason why it’s imperative to get roof repairs or a roof replacement promptly after storm damage impacts your home). Water and the resulting moisture that seeps into the home can lead to mildew and mold forming in your home, which can have very negative health effects. If you notice you have water damage impacting your attic, ceiling, walls, or other areas of your home, contact your local roofing contractor right away.
If you require storm damage repairs to help prevent any problems that may result from ice dams or other winter complications, contact Capstone Bros Contracting. We offer several exterior home services to help ensure your home is durable, sturdy, and safe any time of the year. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor in Plymouth.