Ice Damming: How Much Harm Can It Cause?

During the winter, exterior walls and roofs are more prone to ice dam creation, which can lead to water damage restoration issues. Ice damming occurs when snow melts on a roof and runs down to the unheated bottom edge, where it freezes. This process forms ice dams, pieces of ice that can cause water to back up beneath shingles, potentially resulting in overwhelming damage to your property’s building code if left untreated.

Causes of Ice Dams

Ice dams are mainly caused by improper ventilation, and several factors contribute to their formation.

Some factors for creating ice dams are:

• Poor attic insulation
• Bathroom exhaust fans that are ducted to the attic
• Foldable attic stair openings that aren’t insulated
• Air leakage on walls
• Ventilation equipment
• Pot lights

Effects of Ice Damming

Ice damming on roofs, especially in winter when cold temperatures are present, is something you have to pay special attention to. It does not only cause inconvenience with the ice stalactites that are formed on the bottom of your roof’s gutters but it can cause irreplaceable damage to your house’s structure. Mold and mildew can develop in homes when moisture from ice dams enters the structure. Water and moisture intrusion into homes is the main issue brought on by ice dams. Mold grows because it consumes the materials that make up the majority of homes, including wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, and ceiling tiles, and it thrives in damp environments.

Mold will develop and spread as long as these three conditions are met, as long as it has access to food. This is the cause of a home’s impaired structural integrity since mold is eating the house alive. High amounts of mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems such as allergies, as well as asthma in some persons and infections in those with compromised immune systems.

The damage will not be immediately shown, and that is a significant reason to give some priority to your home’s attic, ceiling and roof. In case of let this ice dam issue untreated, then you should encounter bigger issues that may lead you to spend thousands of dollars, such as:

• Water stains on your home’s ceiling
• Dagged gutters due to heavy ice
• Damaged plaster 
• Peeling paint 
• Corrosion of wall cavities
• Deteriorated wall cavities
• Dislodging of roof shingles

Ways to Fix Roofs Damaged Because of Ice Damming

To end the ice damming issue, you should consider a long-term repair as it is beyond necessary in this case.

The following quick methods can help you solve this issue in the short term:

• By blowing cold air onto the roof, you may stop the water in its tracks.
• You can remove the snow from the roof by using a rake with wheels.
• Remove anything in the attic that generates heat directly.
• Keep your gutters clear to prevent blocking and refreezing of the melted snow.
• Hire professionals

In many different ways, winter can be an extremely difficult season. If you regularly check your roof and ceiling, you might avoid having to pay a hefty repair bill due to damage from ice dams on your roof. You can either constantly inspect your roof to check for ice dams or have your home’s insulation and ventilation checked out and fixed as needed to prevent ice dam creation.

What To Do If You Have Ice Dam

It’s not always a concern when ice dams occur. The majority of the harm is caused by leaks. You might not need to take any action if you can’t find any indications of ice dam leaks, whether in the attic, ceilings, or soffits on the outside. The easiest technique to remove an ice dam from the roof is to call experts who can offer mold removal and water damage services.

You need a plan of action in case water from an ice dam seeps into your home. CPR24 Restoration professionals offer immediate and reliable help in these emergencies. 

As mentioned above, ice dams are responsible for creating severe mold growth due to the high moisture and humidity levels as well as water damage in different areas of your property.

For mold removal and water damage emergencies, call CPR24 Restoration at (416) 551-8287 or send your emergency description to info@cpr24restoration.ca and let our expert crew help you prevent any further health hazards or property damage that can arise due to ice damming.