What’s an Ice Dam?

What exactly is an Ice Dam? An ice dam is an ice formation that usually forms along the roof’s edge and restricts melting snow draining properly. Ice dams can also develop around skylights, vents, and wherever two sloping roof sides connect (such as valleys).

Causes

Insufficient attic insulation and inadequate ventilation cause the roof deck to heat up and melt the snow above. As a result, the melted snow trickles down the roof and becomes trapped behind the ice dam. This pool of water gradually turns into ice and further increases the size of the dam. The water backs up above the 6ft protective ice and water barrier on your roof and may seep into the home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other internal components.

How Does It Happen?

• Heat from inside the house rises to the attic via the ceiling, reaches the roof’s underside, and warms it up. This causes the shingles to warm up.
• Snow sitting on the now-heated parts of the roof melts, with the water flowing down the roof until it reaches a lower part of the roof that’s colder than 32F (usually the overhangs). Here, the water refreezes, starting the formation of an ice dam.
• As more snow melts and refreezes, the dam grows in size. Water now begins to pool behind the increasingly large ice wall.
• Eventually, the water penetrates through the shingles (or other roofing material) and through the roof decking into the attic. From there, it can seep through the ceiling, interior walls, and into the rest of the building.

If you are worried your home might have an ice dam, give our team call at

Your Roof, Your Investment

Owning a home requires a lot of knowledge to keep your investment in excellent shape. One of the most important things to ensure your home is protected is your roof. Asphalt shingles are the most recognizable piece, but every roof system has the same components to protect your home from the elements. Understanding your roof’s basic components will help you make decisions that are best for your home and your wallet. Whether it be general maintenance, repairs or a full replacement!

Underlayments – There are two types of underlayments used on a roof. In Michigan, the building code requires 6’ of Ice and Water barrier on all eave edges. Ice and water barrier is also required in the valleys and around all penetrations. The rest of the surface will be covered with roof felt. Underlayments add another layer of protection from water and ice buildup.

Starter Strip Shingles – These are the initial layer of shingles installed on the eave edges of the roof. They help minimize wind damage during strong winds and lower the risk for roof leaks on the eaves.

Hip & Ridge Products – Where two roof lines meet at a point, these specially designed shingles cover and leave a neat, finished look.

Ventilation – There are two main types of ventilation. Ridge venting, where the ridge of the home is cut open an inch and a half on each side of the peak, and covered with a venting system to allow air to escape the attic. Pot vents are also commonly used on hipped roofs, and serve the same purpose but cut into the side of the roof.

Flashing – This metal material serves as protection for areas that aren’t a natural way for water to flow down a roof. Things like chimneys, skylights or dormers are a few areas that can be vulnerable to leaking without proper flashing.

Each house is unique and needs care with the best system to properly protect from the outdoor elements. Stronghouse will help you through what is best for your project, whether it be an entire roof replacement or a repair. For your free estimate, give our office a call at 262-315-2821. and we can inspect your roof for proper ventilation and create a solution that is best for your home!