Maintenance TipsPVMGT

Basic Household Maintenance Tips: Preventing Ice Dams

By January 11, 2013 No Comments

What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam occurs after it snows when the roof becomes warm enough for the snow to begin to melt. This melted snow then runs down the roof, under the snow cover, and eventually refreezes along the roof overhang, forming a sort of dam.
ice dams
Why is an Ice Dam bad?
Ice dams block the natural flow of water from your roof, preventing it from ever reaching your gutters. Instead, water builds up behind the ice dam and eventually finds its way under your shingles and into your home.
How can I prevent an Ice Dam?
There are three primary ways to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof:

1. Have a home energy auditor visit your home and identify any problematic air leaks or areas of inadequate insulations.

2. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends minimizing the amount of heat allowed to reach the roof deck. You can do this by sealing interruptions in the ceiling vapor retarder with air-impermeable materials or by adding a continuous ceiling air barrier.

3. Properly ventilating your attic will help remove excess heat and keep the temperature of your roof deck from rising.

Hopefully you have found these Basic Household Maintenance Tips useful. If you have any questions, please contact Potomac Valley Management by calling 1.877.390.4090 or visit PVMGT.com today!
Happy New Year from everyone here at Potomac Valley Management!
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