You’ve probably noticed some huge icicles hanging from the eaves of houses. The kid is you is probably dying to knock them down for use in epic light saber battle with your brother. The adult in you should be worried about what’s lurking beneath the surface of that fluffy white snow piled on your roof: ice dams.
Ice dams are the result of improper attic ventilation and insulation which allow the heat from your home to escape into the rafters and melt roof snow from below. That water pools and refreezes forming the dam. As the cycle repeats itself, the dam grows and the water starts to seep through the roof and then through your ceiling and down your walls.
What can you do to prevent ice dams?
NOW: Rake your roof. Visit your local hardware or home improvement store to pick one up. Be sure to follow the directions to reduce risk of damage to your roof.
NOW: Turn down your thermostat a few degrees. Every little bit helps to slow the melting of the snow.
LATER: Have an energy audit performed on your house. This can identify deficiencies in insulation and then you can add insulation where needed. Not only will this prevent ice dams and related water damage, it may reduce your your heating and cooling expenses year-round.
