How To Prevent Ice Dams

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

These tips should help keep your Harrison, TN, business safe from water damage.

Ice Dams: How To Avoid Them

Every winter, if you live in a snowy area, your buildings are prone to hanging icicles and snowy roofs. While this may seem harmless, an ice dam is not. An ice dam is caused when the roof warms, melting the ice. Icicles and snow push the water back. Given the damage ice dams can cause, it is best to know how to prevent this from occurring.

1. Roof Ventilation

When you have appropriate attic ventilation, the cold air will flush out the warmer air. When it comes to proper aeriation, you will need about one square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet. This is at a minimum. Also, keep in mind that the shape of your roof can determine the sort of ventilation you need. One tip to remember is that it’s very difficult to have too much.

2. Attic Insulation

Not only will insulation help keep the heat in your business, but it will keep your roof from warming and causing ice to melt prematurely. With insulation, you should have at least 12 to 14 inches in your attic space. If you have less than eight inches, it is time to add more. In order to avoid too many gaps in your insulation, keep professionals in mind.

3. No Attic Bypasses

Did you know that a lot of the warm air in your home escapes through the attic? If you have unblocked walls, cracks in the fixtures, open plumbing or gaps in the drywall, you could be at risk of warm air escaping. When it rises, it can then leave through the attic and go straight through your roof. The best things you can do about air leaks are try to plug them with calking or rake your insulation. Heat tape or heat chord can also be used to keep an ice dam from forming.

Ice dams can lead to extensive damage in homes throughout the winter. The water can leak back into your business. This can lead to softening roofs, loose shingles and even mold. These tips should help keep your Harrison, TN, business safe from water damage.