That’s because a closer look at these fair icicles might disclose a bigger problem – the formation of ice dams.
Ice dams are made when heating from the interior of a house escapes through the loft and warms the roof decking during winter. This warmth, combined with warmth from sunlight, can melt the snow and create water runoff. On account of the pitch of the bone and gravity that this water gradually works its way back until it reaches the edge of the roof. Once this runoff reaches the roof edge, it encounters temperatures which are considerably lower and will begin to refreeze.
Water which makes it apparent of the roofing will refreeze and slowly create icicles, while water that does not make it on the edge will refreeze and start to form an ice dam. Icicles or amassing ice sheets may then block subsequent runoff, causing it to back up and down under shingles or fascia boards. From there it can soak through the roof tiling or wall sheathing, resulting in water damage to attics, ceilings, walls, floors, carpets, and furniture.
Homeowners are likely to see ice dams form when a significant amount of snow, anywhere from 8 to 24 inches, has fallen. Numerous accumulating snowfalls that drop just a few inches at a time can also result in a thick blanket of snow atop the roof too. That snow build-up, coupled with inadequate insulation and inadequate attic ventilation, are the main ingredients for the creation of ice dams, potential widespread water damage, and big problems for homeowners.
Homeowners will need to act quickly if they have ice dams since the more time that elapses before prevention and therapy, the greater the prospect of undesirable water damage. The ideal sort of proactive prevention and protection would be for homeowners to carefully pull snow off their homes by employing long-handled roof rakes. Stay safe – keep your feet on the floor (not on a ladder!) While employing the rake, and be careful to not come in contact with overhanging wires.
In doubt as to whether your attic is properly insulated, then contact a certified insulation contractor or homebuilder to examine the attic and other regions which should be insulated. The proper amount of insulation that is required to lessen the quantity of heat escaping to the attic in the house can fluctuate from 1 house to another.
Another key to ice dam prevention would be proper attic ventilation. It is very important to get adequate attic ventilation so any heat lost from the interior of the home into the attic is drawn up and out of the house. Adequate ventilation also helps the roof deck stay trendy and permits for moisture that builds up from regular daily activities, such as cooking and bathing, to escape.
If ice dams have generated interior water damage, homeowners should immediately call a respectable company which specializes in water damage restoration. Professional water damage experts will work quickly to evaluate your wants, eliminate water and water damage, and speed drying. After all, if water is not removed quickly and correctly, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow in your property. Left unchecked and allowed to grow and spread, mold will damage the materials it is living on and is a dangerous health threat to everyone living in the contaminated environment. Proper prevention of ice dam formation is crucial, but if water damage does happen, instant remediation, treatment, and recovery is a homeowner’s best next step to preventing considerably larger and possibly hazardous conditions from arising.
For water damage restoration, contact PuroClean!
Now is the time to make winter maintenance a priority. But even with all ice dam prevention measures set up, you may still be vulnerable to an ice dam which may create water reduction. You can also check out their fire page to learn more.
If you discover water harm (marks, drips, or lines) on ceilings or exterior walls, it might mean that an ice dam has shaped, and water and ice have forced their way to your attic. Along with fixing the cause of the ice cube, it is important to recognize this is a true water damage scenario.
The issue should be remediated by trained professionals to prevent further damage to the structure (such as rotting) and to prevent mold growth — a health hazard to individuals living in the house.
And that’s where your local PuroClean office will help in restoring your water-damaged home to a pre-loss condition. For further information on PuroClean’s water damage restoration services, in addition to mold removal services, get in touch with your nearest location today, you can find them here.