What are the Top 3 Reasons for Ice Damming?

Attic temperature, temperature fluctuations and heat from the sun are the top three reasons for ice damming on a roof. But first let’s talk about what an ice dam is. It is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof and prevents melting snow from draining into the gutters and away from the roof. It is caused by irregular roof surface temperatures. In order for ice dams to form, there must be snow on the roof. The snow on the roof surface that is above freezing will melt. As the melted snow begins to flow down the roof it reaches the portion of the roof that is above freezing temperature…. therefore, the melted snow refreezes in place and creating ice damming.

As more melting snow reaches the ice dam, the ice dam will grow in size. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage within the walls, ceilings, insulation, attic and many more areas. The moisture that comes into the home from the ice dams can lead to mildew and mold.

Most ice dams form at the edge of the roof. The heat source must be coming from the roof area, which comes from the home. There are three reasons heat travels from the home to the surface of the roof:

• Attic Temperature: not enough insulation or ventilation
• Temperature Fluctuations: during the day the temperatures outside are barely above freezing and at night, the temperatures drop below freezing
• Heat from the Sun: the temperature during the day is below freezing, but the sun is pouring down on the roof and the radiant heat from the sun manages to melt the snow on your roof

If you are not sure about your roof withstanding the winter weather, call BB Roofing for a free, no obligation inspection today. The damage from snow, wind and hail can be difficult to spot. BB Roofing has HAAG certified inspectors in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa that will ensure your home has not been damaged. Once we review the whole house, we will work with you to put together the best solution to getting it fixed; a solution that works with your budget and timeline.