Ice dams can cause multiple problems
Snow is just around the corner and with that comes ice damming. Every year ice damming causes tens of thousands of dollars in property damage around Bonner and Boundary Counties. In this week’s article I thought I would briefly discuss ice damming, its causes and a course of action to help relieve the problem.
What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof that prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. Water collects behind the dam and leaks into the home which causes damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation, etc.
How do I recognize ice damming?
To recognize an ice dam, look for a bulge of ice attached to the eaves or overhanging of a roof. There are usually many icicles hanging from the edge.
Generally, you will see moisture staining on the side of the building. The rain gutters will be over flowing with ice. Often the bulge of ice is covered with several inches of snow.
Why do we get ice dams?
When I started thinking about this article, I thought “It never happened in the good old days” and it didn’t because in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s we build homes a lot different. Our homes had steeply pitches roofs. Wooden shingles were installed over spaced boards for sheathing so the shingles could and would breathe and dry.
Most families did not fully heat the second floor. The only areas that got heated were the areas that had plumbing in it, like a bathroom.
In the late 1950s and 1960s we started tightening up our homes. The pitch of the roof was lowered, roofers began applying asphalt shingles, using plywood with moisture barriers, and installing insulation in attics.
Our heating systems became more effective. We realized our attics needed ventilation because of built up contamination within the structure. With these new inventions we created a new problem — ice damming.
How do I prevent of ice damming?
To prevent ice damming, your first step should be to eliminate heat buildup in the attic space below the roof deck. You can do this by:
1. Improving the insulation level in the attic,
2. Increasing ventilation,
3. Stop warm air from coming into the attic. The temperature in your attic should be about the same temperature as it is outside.
What happens if I fail to prevent ice damming?
Moisture entering your home from ice damming can lead to fungal growth.
These biological agents can cause respiratory problems for those who are sensitive to the off gassing of the growth not to mention the damaged caused by the wet and dry rot and carpenter ants that usually accompany the fungal growth.
Should your home develop ice damming this winter immediately contact your insurance company and a restoration company for immediate attention.
The ice damming will have to be addressed and the homes internal structure will have to be dried and treated to prevent fungal growth.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?
For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out online at www.nwees.com.
n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.