That’s because a closer look at these fair icicles might disclose a bigger problem – the formation of ice dams. Ice dams are made when heating from the interior of a house escapes through the loft and warms the roof decking through winter. This heat, combined with heat from sunlight, can melt the snow and create water runoff. Due to the pitch of the roof and gravity this water slowly works its way downwards until it reaches the edge of the roof. Once this runoff reaches the roof edge, it experiences temperatures which are considerably lower and will begin to refreeze.
Water that makes it clear of the roofing will refreeze and gradually create icicles, while water that does not make it over the border will refreeze and begin to make an ice dam. Icicles or amassing ice sheets can then block following runoff, causing it to back up and infiltrate under shingles or fascia boards. From there it can soak through the roof tiling or wall sheathing, resulting in water damage to attics, ceilings, walls, flooring, carpeting, and furniture.
Homeowners are likely to see ice dams form if a substantial amount of snow, anywhere from 8 to 24 inches, has fallen. Numerous accumulating snowfalls that drop only a few inches at a time can also result in a thick blanket of snow beneath the roof as well. That snow build-up, coupled with inadequate insulation and inadequate attic venting, are the main ingredients for the creation of ice dams, potential widespread water damage, and big problems for homeowners.
Homeowners need to act quickly if they have ice dams since the more time that elapses before prevention and treatment, the greater the potential for undesirable water damage. The ideal sort of proactive prevention and protection is for homeowners to cautiously pull snow off their homes by using long-handled roof rakes. Stay safe – keep your feet on the floor (not on a ladder!) While using the rake, and be careful to not come in touch with overhanging cables.
If in doubt as to whether your attic is properly insulated, then get in touch with a licensed insulation contractor or homebuilder to examine the attic along with other regions that should be insulated. The proper amount of insulation that is needed to lessen the amount of heat escaping into the attic in the house can fluctuate from one home to another.
Another key to ice dam prevention would be proper attic ventilation. It is essential to have adequate attic ventilation so any heat lost from the interior of the house into the loft is drawn upward and out of the house. Adequate ventilation also assists the roof deck to stay cool and allows for moisture that builds up from routine daily activities, such as cooking and bathing, to escape.
If ice dams have generated internal water damage, homeowners should immediately call a respectable company that specializes in water damage restoration. Professional water damage experts will work fast to evaluate your needs, remove water and water damage, and speed dry. After all, if water isn’t removed quickly and correctly, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow in your property. Left unchecked and allowed to grow and spread, mold will damage the substances it’s living on and is a dangerous health threat to everybody living in the contaminated environment. Good prevention of ice dam creation is key, however, if water damage does occur, instant remediation, treatment, and restoration is a homeowner’s best next step to preventing much bigger and possibly hazardous conditions from arising.
For water damage restoration, contact PuroClean!
Now’s the opportunity to make winter weather maintenance a priority. But even with all ice dam prevention measures set up, you might continue to be susceptible to an ice dam that may create water reduction.
If you notice water damage (marks, drips, or lines) on ceilings or exterior walls, it could mean an ice dam has shaped, and ice and water have forced their way into your attic. In addition to fixing the reason for the ice dam, it is important to recognize that this is a legitimate water damage scenario.
The issue ought to be remediated by trained professionals to prevent further damage to the structure (for instance, rotting), and to prevent mold growth — a health hazard to people living in the home.
And that is where your local PuroClean office will help in restoring your water-damaged property to a pre-loss condition. For further information on PuroClean’s water damage restoration services, as well as mold removal solutions, they offer mold cleaning services also, get in touch with your closest location now. Find them here for more information.
