Preventing Ice Dams – Tips for Residential Roofing in St. Louis

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. It prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and damage walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. This often needs to be addressed by professionals in residential roofing in St. Louis, MO.

Ice dams can cause moisture to enter houses, and this can lead to mold and mildew being established. Both of these elements can cause respiratory problems. To prevent mold and mildew growth, immediately dry out portions of the house that are wet or damp. Next, take immediate action to get rid of the water source, clean the inside affected area, and call your local expert in residential roofing.

What Causes Ice Dams

Heat loss from a house, snow on the roof, and low external temperatures interact to form ice dams. In order for ice dams to form, there must be snow on the roof, and, at the same time, portions of the roof’s higher outside surface are above 32 degrees F (freezing) while lower surfaces are below 32F.

The snow higher up on the warmer roof surface melts. As water flows down the roof, it reaches the roof area below 32F and then freezes. This causes an ice dam. New residential roofing prevents this from happening, as it prevents loss of heat through the roof.