As the winter season has freshly arrived in the Indianapolis area, you can expect the snow to start building up on every corner of your house. It will soon cover your roof in a white blanket, and as it melts it will form ice dams on various areas. These ice dams can cause extensive damage to your roof and home. For this reason, planning and preparing are key to preventing ice dams in your roof.
An ice dam forms after snow builds up on the roof of a building with central heating. Sometimes, additional heat melts the oldest layer of snow on the roof. After it melts, it can seep into the roof under the remaining layer of snow or refreeze into a thick sheet of ice. Either way, ice dams create much damage to residential roofs during the winter.
Fret not; here is a rundown of some practical tips to help you prevent the formation of ice dams on your roof. Also, you can read on to discover how a roofing contractor in Indianapolis can help you:
Ice damming on a sloped roof
Preventing an issue is better than ‘finding a cure!’ It’s important to set your roofing system and prepare it for the winter. There are many ways to prevent the formation of ice dams in or on your roof. One way is to keep the cold outside and retain the heat inside your attic using proper insulation that’s thick enough for the local climate. Along with this, ensure your attic stays airtight by sealing gaps and openings. You should also clean and get rid of debris in your roof vents and soffits to avoid accumulating melting runoff. Furthermore, you can use a roof rake to reduce snow accumulation on your roof. Reducing excess amounts of snow is one of the most proactive ways to prevent ice damming.
Ice damming on a metal roof
If you have a metal roof, there are various ways to prevent ice dam formation during winter. You can ask a construction contractor about different metal roof coatings that can help shed ice and snow. The good thing is that several forms of these coatings are easily available with the help of professionals. Many metal roof coatings are designed specifically to help water, ice, and snow slide off of roofs easily. Additionally, you can consider repainting your roof a color that absorbs warmth in the sunlight. A warmer roof helps prevent ice build-up in the winter!
Ice dams in the gutters and downspouts
When it comes to your gutter system, the safest way to clear ice from the gutters is also the easiest way to do it. Simply wait and let it thaw! As mentioned above, prevention is better than ‘finding the cure’, which is why you must clean your gutters and ensure they have no clogs. Consider installing gutter covers and downspout screens during winter to protect your gutter system and prevent ice formation!
Ice dams in roof valleys
Let’s talk about one of the most vulnerable parts of your roof—the roof valleys. Keep in mind that it’s easy for ice dams to form in this part of your house, so you need to prepare well before the winter. First, you can install a thermal break on the underside of the rafters along your roof valleys. Second, use rigid foam insulation in and around your dead-end rafter bays. Third, install snow melt cables that are designed for roof valleys to prevent ice dam formation. Finally, keep your roof valleys free of leaves and debris to ensure all other preparations do their job!
Avoid roof damage from ice damming with Pro-Quality Contractors
Preventing ice damming is so much easier than fixing the damages it can cause! These tips will help you control the formation of ice dams on your roofing system. Prevent ice damming on the roof itself, on a metal roof, in the gutters and downspouts, or in the roof valleys. Be sure to follow the practical steps outlined above to protect your roof during the cold winter months and avoid damage to your house!
Are you looking for roofing services in Indianapolis? You’ve come to the right place! We offer roofing, siding, gutter, painting, and power washing services for residential properties in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for the best local contractor to protect your roofing system during winter, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
