Ice dams form when the snow on top of your roofing in Tinley Park IL melts, slides off the roof, and, upon reaching the edge, refreezes. They can lead to different problems, such as leaks, sagging gutters, damaged shingles, and moisture accumulation in the attic. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from forming on your roof and avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
The first step is to have our skilled roofers check your roof for issues that may result in the formation of ice dams.
Here are some areas our contractors may check during a roof inspection:
- Unsealed Attic Hatches. An attic hatch may allow heat to escape to the roof, causing snow that is already there to melt. You can use weather-stripped caps to seal your attic hatch.
- Ridge and Eaves. Pairing continuous soffit vents with ridge vents allows cold air to circulate under the roof, which helps you avoid having a warm roof that may melt the snow on it. You should have at least a square foot of vent for every 300 square feet of attic floor space.
- Ducts. Ducts that are connected to your bathroom, kitchen, and dryer vents should be directed outdoors through the walls or roof, not the soffit.
- Chimney. If there is a gap between your house’s framing and the chimney, our roofers will make sure to seal it for you.
- Attic Insulation. Proper insulation helps in balancing the temperature inside and outside your attic to avoid having a warm roof.
Apart from checking your roof, you should also keep your gutters clean as they are also part of your Dyer roofing. They help keep water away from your roof and walls when the snow melts. If they are filled with leaves and other debris, water may accumulate, refreeze to form an ice dam, and add unnecessary weight on the gutters. They may fall off the roof with the downspout.
With proper maintenance and protection, you won’t have to worry about the effects of winter on your roof. Consult Rogers Roofing to learn more about ice dams and ways to avoid them this season. With over four decades of experience in the industry, we understand your roofing needs, especially during winter. Get in touch with us for more information on our roofing and gutter services.