Buffalo winters bring crazy amounts of snow and ice. Does your home have ice dams? They are a roofing problem many Western New Yorkers have to deal with because their home has poor roof ventilation and a warm attic space. These two things cause ice to “dam” at the edge of a roof, and that’s not a good thing.
Here’s how it happens: a bunch of snow falls in the Buffalo area and several inches of it ends up on your roof. The temperature goes up and some of that snow melts, wanting to flow down the sloping roof to the gutters. However, at the eaves, soffits, valleys or gutters, the melting snow hits a colder temperature where it freezes. Therefore, frozen water builds up, causing ice dams. Ever see huge icicles hanging off a roof? That home has got ice dams.
The freeze-thaw cycle during the winter aids in the development of ice dams, and ice dams can end up causing roof damage and leaks. Do you want water leaking into your attic or creating wet spots on your ceiling(s)? No, you don’t.
By the way, recessed lights, skylights, complicated roof designs, and heating ducts in the attic all increase the risk of ice dam formation.
One way to combat ice dams is to use a roof rake to remove snow from the roof. Another more long-term action would be to have the attic space checked for proper insulation and ventilation.
Call Ivy Lea Construction at 716-875-8654 if you have ice dams and want to fix the problems causing them. Your roof will thank you.