Ice Dam Prevention Guide — What You Need to Know

Harsh winter weather is great if you're a kid hoping for a day off from school or an amateur athlete looking forward to the skiing season. But for your home's exterior, the winter season brings a whole host of new opportunities for property damage. When it comes to Iowa City roof repair, there is no culprit that the Iowa City roofing contractor sees most frequently than the ice dam.

Ice dams are responsible for a great deal of Iowa City roofing catastrophes every winter, but most people don't know what precautions to take to prevent them or what to do once they manifest. Luckily, there are several preventative measures that you can take to protect your home from the worst of the damage. Read on for everything you need to know.

What Does the Term “Ice Dam” Refer To?

An ice dam is a chunk of solid ice that usually manifests along the edge of the roof. Sometimes, an Iowa City roofing contractor will find these chunks in your gutters or on the siding of your home's exterior. When hot air escapes from inside the house and makes contact with the cold air outside, the chemical reaction results in these formations. While they certainly make your house look like a winter wonderland, they can cause significant damage to your home. You'll likely need to recruit Iowa City roof repair services to restore your home's condition.

Are Ice Dams Hazardous to My Home?

Ice chunks mean nothing but trouble when it comes to preserving the integrity of your home's exterior. Not only do they encourage the growth of dangerous substances like mold and mildew, but they can also cause surprising levels of physical damage. Often they are responsible for shingles and gutters being completely removed from the outside of the house. Plus, when they melt, they'll inflict some unpleasant water damage that an Iowa city roofing company will need to address.

How Can I Prevent Ice Dams from Forming?

Ensuring the attic is properly ventilated is the easiest way to keep your home free of ice dams. These solid chunks form when trapped heat from inside comes into contact with the cold atmosphere outdoors. If you have an Iowa City roofing company maintain your ventilation system properly, you can prevent air from escaping. As a result, you'll reduce the chance of ice dams forming.

Should I Attempt to Remove an Ice Dam by Myself?

As a rule, ice dam removal is not a job that a non-professional should attempt. If you notice ice chunks forming on the outside of your home, be sure to call an Iowa City roofing contractor right away, and they'll be happy to help you out.

The Bottom Line — Dealing With Ice Dams

Ice dams are a reliable threat that you can expect every time winter rolls around. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep them from getting out of control. Feel free to contact your local Iowa City roofing company for assistance with ice dam removal or any other Iowa City roof repair needs you might have.

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