What is An Ice Dam?

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Anatomy of an Ice Dam

An ice dam is an ice build-up on the eaves of the sloped roofs of heated buildings resulting from melting snow under a pack of snow reaching the eave and freezing. Freezing at the eave impedes the water from draining, which adds to the ice dam, causing backup of the melted water. This may result in water leaking into the roof, and subsequent damage to the building and its contents.

Ice dams are common to our area, especially during the aftermath of winter storms. The flatter the pitch of the roof, the easier it is for an ice dam to form. Gutters at the eaves may also trap snow and ice. If snow and ice build high enough up in the gutter, it can provide a foundation for an ice dam. 

What Kind of Damage Do Ice Dams Cause? 

When an ice dam gets large enough, melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Eventually, it drips into the insulation and down in through the ceilings and exterior walls beneath the eave, destroying sheet rock, walls and paint. If the ice dam breaks free, it can pull shingles and gutters off with it, and it will damage anything it falls on: shrubs, windowsills, cars, pets, and people. If the roof sheathing stays wet, it can form mildew and start to rot, causing a multitude of other health related problems for home owners and business owners. 

At SERVPRO of The East End, we can't prevent ice dams from happening. But we can help you remediate the damage they cause, preventing other problems from arising. The sooner you call us to get the job done, the quicker we can begin work to fix it "Like it never even happened." Don't hesitate to call our team of professionals at 631-653-9595. We are available 24/7 365 days a week to be 'Faster to any size disaster'.