What Are Ice Dams?

If you are a homeowner living in Black Earth, Wisconsin, or another northern part of the country, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with ice dams. But, for those of you who are wondering, ice dams are ridges of ice that form along the edges of a roof and prevent melting snow and rainwater from running off the roof. Ice dams can be very problematic as the water that collects behind the dam can leak into your home, causing significant damage to your ceiling, walls, insulation, and more.

In order for an ice dam to form, there must be a certain set of conditions in place. For example, there must first be snow on your roof. Also, the outside temperature must be below 32 degrees F. The portion of your roof that’s nearest the eave must be 32 degrees or colder, while the roof further up toward the ridge must be above 32 degrees. If these conditions are kept in place for a sustained period of time, the snow further up on the roof – in the warmer area – will begin to melt, but as it runs down to the edge of the roof – to the colder area – it will refreeze, forming a lip along the edge of the roof that will stop the water from draining down into your gutters and being safely diverted away from your home.

Preventing Ice Dams from Forming

One of the most effective ways you can prevent ice dams from forming is to ensure that you have adequate insulation in your roof/attic area. Insufficient insulation will allow warm air from inside your home to escape through your roof, causing sitting snow to melt. Also, homes with skylights, heating ducts in the attic, and complex roof designs are all at especially high risk of developing ice dams.

Frey Construction Has You Covered

For more than 20 years, Frey Construction has been the premier home improvement company serving the Black Earth area. Specializing in roofing, gutters, siding, and more, our team is fully qualified to assist you with your needs. Whether you believe that ice dams are forming along the edge of your home, or if a portion of your home has already sustained ice dam-related damage, we would be happy to get started by scheduling a free, initial consultation at a time that works for you.

To learn more about partnering with Frey Construction to address the ice dams that have formed on your Black Earth-area home, contact us today.