With winter comes low temperatures. Thankfully, metal roofing in Anderson, SC, can help safeguard your home from damage.
It is one of the best ways to avoid ice dams, which look beautiful but can be dangerous. In this article, we will be covering the main points regarding ice dams and how you can solve this problem. Let’s begin by understanding what ice dams are.
Definition of an Ice Dam:
An ice dam is a ridge of ice on the edge of the roof that prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. They usually form when the snow on the roof melts and the water starts to run down the slope. Upon reaching the eaves, it refreezes due to the low temperature. This constant process results in ice dams.
One of the main problems that occur due to ice dams is damage to the ceiling, insulation, and roof. Moreover, people can be injured when the ice dams fall or when you try to break them.
Causes:
There are a few reasons behind the formation of ice dams. The three main factors involved in ice dams are snow, nonuniform roof temperature, and cold weather. Higher parts of the roof remain above freezing, while lower parts are below freezing. Most ice dams form when heat loss from the attic warms the roof deck (the foundation or base of the roofing system.)
Since the roof overhangs do not get any heat, they do not have any melting. As the snow melts on warm days, ice damming can occur in a small quantity due to the normal freeze-thaw cycle. The melting process will carry on for a few days and melt the ice on cold nights, which will freeze upon contacting the cold air.
Damage:
Ice dams are no doubt an elegant item that gives an appealing look. But they can cause damage to your property which requires repairs. These repairs can be a burden on you as they are costly. Here are some of the parts which can be damaged because of ice dams:
- Building materials
- Attic Insulation
- Shingles in the roof
In addition, ice dams can harm any person passing beneath or attempting to clean them. Therefore, prevention is a vital part of ensuring you don’t have to deal with issues of ice dams. The best way to do that is by opting for metal roofing in Anderson, SC. Let’s look at some ways to prevent ice dams from forming.
Preventing Ice Dams by Metal Roofing in Anderson, SC:
As mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to prevent ice dams is through metal roofing. Metal roofs shed the snow quickly because of their features, such as a smooth surface. Therefore, it is one of the easiest and cost-friendly methods to prevent your house from ice dams.
• Building Adequate Insulation and Roof Ventilation:
Apart from metal roofing, building adequate insulation and roof ventilation is essential for preventing ice dams. By adding more insulation and mechanical ventilation, you can ensure that your roof or attic temperature is not low enough to cause the ice above it to melt.
It can also help solve issues you have been facing with the condensation inside the attic or home.
• Removing Ice Buildup:
Another great way is by removing ice buildup on your roof to prevent it from melting and turning into ice dams. However, it is highly recommended that you use the services of a professional cleaner rather than doing it on your own.
They have the right tools and know all the techniques to remove the ice without any damage.
• Use Proper Tools to Clean the Roof on Your Own:
If you want to remove the ice by yourself, you can use a special tool which is a roof rake. It enables you to shovel the entire roof and remove excessive snow, which could melt to become ice dams. However, you have to be careful if you have a high or steep roof as it increases the chances of personal injury.
Also, if you are not confident about shoveling, you can cause damage to the roof. So, it will be best for you to contact a professional cleaner to do the job on your metal roofing in Anderson, SC, for you.
