The winter season is a beautiful time of year, full of snow, festivities, and warm fires. But with the winter comes heavy snow, ice, and the risk of ice dams forming on your roof. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home, so it’s important to be prepared and know how to prevent them. Our team is here to share tips and tricks for keeping your roof in good shape this winter season.
Start with Insulation
Before winter sets in, it’s important to ensure that your home is insulated properly. Without proper insulation, heat can escape, which leads to meltwater. Meltwater can then refreeze on your roof, causing ice dams. So, ensure you have appropriate insulation to keep the heat inside your home and prevent ice dams from forming.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Blocked gutters and downspouts can lead to water buildup, which can then freeze and lead to ice dams. So, it’s essential to clean them out regularly. You can easily and safely clean the gutters using a ladder and a hose. Keep an eye out for any signs of clogging, such as leaves, twigs, and debris which can build up and cause clogged gutters.
Maintain Roof Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps regulate the temperature in the attic, which can help reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming. Proper ventilation means that your attic will have low temperatures, making it easier for your roof to shed off the ice and snow. It’s important to check if roof vents are working correctly and replace any broken or damaged vents.
Install Heat Cables
Heat cables can be installed on your roof to prevent ice dams from forming. The cables help melt the ice before it can reach the eave, where it refreezes and causes an ice dam. If you live in an area where there’s frequent snow or ice, installing heat cables can be a long-term solution to prevent ice dams.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve taken all the preventive measures and still experience ice dams, it’s best to seek professional help. Our professional roofing experts can inspect your roof and identify the root cause of the problem. We can also help you develop a long-term solution that can prevent ice dams from happening again in the future.
Roofing and Gutter Experts of Norwalk
Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing and gutter needs. We can thoroughly examine the roof, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us as soon as possible.