In areas that receive snowfall, homeowners need to keep an eye out for ice dams forming on their roofs. An ice dam happens when heat rises from a house and melts snow on the roof. If temperatures near the eaves are still below freezing, the melt water freezes. This ridge of ice traps melt water on the roof and forces it under shingles where it leaks into your house. Restoration to Kelowna homes with ice dams requires fixing the damage and correcting issues causing the ice dames.
Ice Dam Damage
Once water gets under the shingles, it will seep into the roof deck. The water will eventually leak into the attic or down the framing of the walls. You will need water damage restoration services to find the source of the water penetration and remove sodden or rotten building materials.
Signs of ice dam leaks:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Blotches of mold
- Sagging ceilings
- Cracking or peeling paint
- Floor warping
- Gutter collapse
Damage can be occurring even if you don't see these overt signs. Water seeping into an attic can soak insulation and produce mold growth before the moisture enters your living space. If you catch the problem early, water damage restoration services can stop widespread structural rot before it starts.
For this reason, you should pay attention to subtle signs of ice dams, such as icicles or a bare roof above an icy and snowy eave. Restoration companies can perform a quick evaluation to let you know if you have an ice dam.
Causes of Ice Dams
Heat radiates upward from your living space in the winter. If your attic lacks sufficient insulation, the rising heat warms the roof and melts the snow. However, the heat does not reach the eaves to the same extent. Therefore the melt water freezes at the edges.
Aside from poor insulation, heat can also escape upward around ceiling light fixtures, vent pipes, and chimneys. If you have air ducts in the attic, poorly sealed duct seams also let out heat. Ice dam restoration of Kelowna houses can remedy these sources of heat loss by adding insulation and sealing gaps.
Ice Dam Repair
Local restoration companies, like Total Restoration Services in Kelowna, have the expertise to stop ice dams. We are familiar with how ice dams manifest and know the best strategies for resolving them. Protect your property and call us today