Causes and Effects of Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

When does a chunk of ice cause as much damage as a natural disaster? The answer may surprise you. With winter storm season approaching in Apponaug, RI, homeowners may not be aware of the danger of the ice dam. It sounds innocuous but can cause serious complications and damage to you and your home.

Causes of Ice Dams

In a perfect world snow accumulates, melts and drains. When this process does not go smoothly, an ice dam occurs. Just as with man-made dams, this wintry dam is a border of ice that commonly forms on the edge of the roof. Water backs up behind the dam and does not drain as expected. Common causes include:

• A poorly insulated or ventilated attic creates heat loss which melts snow on the roof. The water refreezes when it reaches the cooler edge, forming a dam.
• Chimneys or kitchen exhaust systems heat the roof when not extended far enough beyond the house. Unbalanced roof temperatures cause dangerous patterns of melting and freezing.

Effects of Ice Dams

How much damage can ice really cause? Actually, quite a bit. Serious implications of these dams include:

• Icicles look benign, even beautiful. However, there may be trouble when these wintry wonders form due to ice dams. Long, sharp icicles have a large amount of ice behind them when water does not drain. When broken, these objects have the potential to harm people or pull off portions of the housing exterior.
• When water cannot break through the dam, it often finds its way into your home. Resulting water damage impacts house structures and personal property. Water can spread quickly and cause secondary damage throughout, therefore it is best to work with a professional storm restoration company as soon as possible. You may wish to check with your insurance agent to see if ice dam coverage is included in your policy.

Ice in your beverage is welcome, but an ice dam on your roof is not. As a homeowner in Apponaug, RI, be on the lookout for this occurrence when the next winter storm visits.