Thankfully, the worst part of winter is almost over for the Nashville area, but that doesn’t mean that freezing temperatures haven’t already caused issues with your house. Today, we’ll take a quick look at ice dams: what they are, how they can damage your home, and what you can do to protect your family.
What Are Ice Dams?
The simplest explanation is that an ice dam is a small wall of ice that forms on your roof and in your gutters. They are caused by uneven roofing temperatures and happen when snow melts, flows down, and refreezes. Ice builds up, creating a barrier that prevents meltwater from flowing into your gutters. It can also leak water into the interior walls of your home and potentially cause roof damage.
How Ice Dams Cause Damage
Ice dams can wreak havoc on your home from the outside in, starting from the roof. Roof damage happens when water seeps beneath shingles and deteriorates the underlayment of your roof. This can lead to rotting and premature shingle failure. Ice can also pull gutters away from your home and cause fascia boards to rot from prolonged moisture exposure. On the interior, ice dams can cause wet insulation, ceiling stains, and damaged drywall. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also cause mold and mildew growth that can potentially cause or worsen health problems for your family and pets.
Can Ice Dams Be Prevented?
Absolutely. Prevention focuses on eliminating temperature differences and improving drainage from the top down. Barrier Waterproofing can help by evaluating your attic insulation and ventilation and making sure that your home is properly sealed. We offer basement waterproofing as well as crawl space encapsulation and repair. We can also help with foundation repair and moisture control and, just as importantly, mold removal support to keep moisture from returning.
The Time To Act Is Now
There is never a wrong time to have your home inspected to see if ice dams are a threat or have already caused problems. If you’re thinking about moisture control and mold prevention, Barrier Waterproofing is here. A quick call is all it takes to find out just how affordable it can be to protect your home from the ravages of Middle Tennessee’s unpredictable winter weather.
