Roofing in Sunfish Lake MN | The effect of Ice on my Home
The effect of Ice on my Home
There is so much that can be said about ice and its weathering effects on a home. With winter on the way, it’s time to start looking at how ice can affect your home. There are a number of ways that ice can impact your home, including damage to the exterior and interior. As ice forms on roofs, it can cause leaks in both the attic and basement. Ice dams are another common problem caused by poor weatherproofing practices. Continue reading to learn all the ways ice can effect your home, and how you can keep it safe from extreme winter conditions. If you want to explore roofing in Sunfish Lake MN, then look into how Capstone Bros. Contracting can help you and your home today.
Ice Dams
Ice dams can be damaging to your roof, gutters and downspouts. Ice dams form on the roof of your home when water from melting snow refreezes as it flows over shingles. This can cause water to back up against the roof, which in turn causes damage.
An unusual danger of ice dams is that they can also be a serious fire hazard. If water pools and freezes in your roof’s soffits or eaves, it can create a dam that blocks the flow of smoke from inside your home. This can make it difficult for firefighters to locate the source of the blaze and put out the flames. Even in the winter, it pays to stay vigilant and practice proper fire safety procedures.
Gutter problems
Gutter problems can be caused by ice dams, or even just snow buildup. The weight of the ice can cause gutters to sag or even break away from your home. If a gutter breaks away, it can allow water to pour into the interior of your home. Ice dams can cause problems with downspouts, too. If they clog with ice and snow buildup, they may overflow onto your property and cause water damage. The best way to prevent ice dams and gutter problems is to clear your roof and gutters of snow, ice, and debris before it has a chance to build up. This can prevent damage from occurring in the first place.
Water Damage
At any point in the year, built up ice and snow can melt, leaking into your home through unprotected cracks or holes. Water damage can occur at the point of entry into your house from your roof and gutters, or from spots that need repairing. To help prevent unnecessary damage to your home during the winter months, try to schedule inspections and repairs in the fall to get your roof winter-ready.
If you notice any musty smells coming from within your home, it could be a sign that ice had made its way into your home, resulting in mold or mildew. If you find water damage in your home, you need to act fast. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause. A contractor should be able to evaluate the extent of the damage and offer solutions for repair or replacement. Not only can mold and mildew smell unpleasant, it also poses health risks for you and anyone else living in your home.
Roof Sag
The combination of water and ice may cause a roof to sag, which puts more pressure on the walls and interior ceilings. During periods of especially heavy snow fall, make sure to disrupt or shovel the built-up snow on your roof to prevent roof sagging and other potential structural issues. If you suspect that your roof is sagging, check with a professional to determine the cause and cost of repair. If left untreated, the problem could worsen over time and eventually lead to leaks or even collapse.
Hail Damage
Hail storms can cause considerable damage to your roof and home. If you notice a leak after a storm, check for the presence of hail or impact marks on your roof to see if it was damaged during the storm. Hail can cause cracks, holes, and dents in your home and roof. If your home has been through a hail storm, it may be worth contacting a local roofing contractor for an inspection. Damage from a hail storm can go unnoticed for awhile, especially if there aren’t easily visible signs of damage. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your home and determine if there is damage that needs to be repaired.
One of the best ways to lessen the impact of ice on your home is to try and avoid it entirely. Seal any cracks or openings in your foundation with caulking, and make sure that all of your windows and doors fit in their frames correctly. Storms are a fact of life, however, and if you do find yourself suffering from severe ice damage, it’s worth noting that the repairs won’t necessarily be difficult or expensive. It’s truly remarkable how much damage can accumulate on your roof over the course of a season. And, it goes without saying that you need to look after it once you’ve cleaned up all this ice, snow and general damage. At Capstone Bros. Contracting, we’d be happy to keep your home safe with our Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Storm Damage services.