The challenges and frigid weather of a winter in Minnesota are quickly approaching and with it the likelihood of icicles. While nearly everyone loves how charming they look, their formation actually indicates the possible presence of an ice dam. This potentially harmful effect likely hides melted water that lurks behind a build-up of ice. When it has nowhere to run off, this built up water can lead to a host of unwanted effects including water working its way under the shingles of your roof and, eventually, inside your home. This can result in a great amount of damage to your floors, ceilings and walls. In other instances, the weight of the ice can overwhelm your guttering system, resulting in the whole thing falling off your home. Sometimes this results in other items being pulled down with it such as the fascia boards.
Ice Dams Explained
Even though icicles are very festive and beautiful to look at, the last place you want to see them is hanging from the roof of your home. By preventing ice dams, you will also be reducing the amount and length of the icicles that form but you will also be protecting your home from damage. Heat rises to the roof of the home causing the snow to melt. Once the snow melts, it runs down the roof line when it freezes once more due to the cooler temperatures. This starts the formation of the ice dam as more water collects. Not all of that water freezes, though, as eventually the water reaches the part of the roof that is warmer.
Preventing Ice Dams
A primary way of preventing ice dams is to keep your roof from becoming too warm. This is typically accomplished by insulating the floor of your attic. You might also need to vent the attic by having ridge vents, soffit or gable vents installed as well. If you have recessed lighting fixtures in your attic or you access it via attic stairs that fold, these areas will likely need to be insulated as well.
Anderson Exteriors can help your home weather the Minnesota winters more effectively. Whether you need additional insulation to help prevent ice dams or your guttering system replaced, they can help. Contact them today for an appointment and a free quote.