Michigan Winter and Ice

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Winter has arrived and it is important to protect your home from leaks and water damage. Over time ice dams can form along gutters and along a house’s roof. Ice dams prevent melting snow from draining off the roof, water then backs up behind the dam leading to a leak in the home. This can cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

What causes Ice Dams? Ice dams from along the roof’s edge, usually above the overhang. Heat and warm air leaking form the living space or office space below melts the snow, then trickling down into the colder edge of the roof and it re-freezes.

Along with Ice Dams, icicles are another sign of poor roof ventilation and poor insulation in the home. Warm, moist air from inside the home can move upwards and leak around ceiling lights. Poorly insulated ceilings around attic openings then cause warm air to be trapped in the attic.