Causes of Ice Dams to Your Roof in Massillion Ohio

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

Diagram of an ice dam.

An ice dam is a mix of ice, water, snow and heat that leads to damage of your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. As the temperature lowers and it begins to snow is when an ice dam starts to form. As the snow covers the roof there is an off balance of heating amongst the roof. The top portion is above 32 degrees F while the lower portion is below 32 degrees F. This unbalanced leads to an ice ridge forming at the bottom edge of the roof and prevents snow and water from draining off the roof. This can cause major damage to your home.  

To prevent ice dams from damaging your home you can take a variety of types of immediate actions and long-term actions.

Immediate:

• Roof rake

Similar to a broom a roof rake can be used to remove snow from your roof.

• Make channels

Making channels along the roof can be done by either hosing with tap water or placing a panty hose with calcium chloride in the leg. Both will create a way for water to drain off the roof instead of through your ceiling.

• Blow in cold air

If the water is leaking through your roof place a box fan at the leak. The cold air will freeze the water in a matter of minutes and the leak will be put on hold.

Long term:

• Make ceiling airtight

An airtight house will prevent a warm air flow from reaching your attic.

• Increase insulation

Added insulation will cut down on heat loss and keeps the heat where it belongs.

• Ventilate

Ventilation if done in the proper way can cause an even circulation of cold air.

• Cap the hatch

If you have an attic hatch or a whole house fan cover it with a weatherproof cap to keep heat inside your house.

If you do have ice dam damage call SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County at 330-497-4600 and we will restore and clean your property. It will be "Like it never even happened."

www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com