4 Reasons Ice Dams Form on Your Roof

Exterior replacement is a necessary investment for your home. It should beautify and protect your house from the elements. One of the issues homeowners need to be aware of is ice dams. In this post, BSR, a superb exterior services provider, will discuss why ice dams form on your roof.

1. Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water to back onto the roof, leading to ice dams. Leaves, twigs and other debris can accumulate in your gutters over time and will block the flow of water away from your home.

2. Poor Roof Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key for keeping temperatures consistent on your roof. Without adequate airflow through the attic space, you may be at risk for an excessive buildup of snow that creates a dangerous icy ridge on the edge of your roofline.  

3. Improper Insulation

Improperly installed or repaired insulation can trap cold air and cause an imbalance in temperatures across different areas of your roof. This will cause snow to melt in warmer regions and become large icicles as it freezes.

4. Heat Loss

If your home’s attic isn’t properly insulated, heat from inside the house will escape and melt the snow on your roof. Ask for help from a roof repair team to evaluate your roof and reduce heat loss.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Knowing the causes makes it easy to prevent ice dams on your roof. Clean your gutters to ensure they aren’t clogged and can drain snowmelt and rainwater. Next, have roofers improve roof ventilation. Have them install soffit vents to help keep temperatures stable. Then, install new roof insulation to balance roof temperatures. Lastly, you can consider using a de-icing system to melt and keep your roof heated and maintain clear water pathways.

Keep your roofs in top shape by working with renowned roof repair specialists. BSR’s team has years of experience helping homes like yours in the area. We’ll make sure your home is properly protected against ice dam formation. Call us at (607) 722-7221 or fill out this contact form to get a free estimate. We proudly service homes in Vestal and Binghamton, NY.