Ice dams

Do you know how to stay ahead of ice dams? These ridges of ice on the edge of the roof can cause serious winter water damage in Sioux Falls and Yankton homes.

That’s right: inside the home.

Ice dams stop melted snow from properly draining off your roof, and the backed-up water could leak into your house. That intrusion could damage walls, ceilings, and insulation, and even leave you in need of Intek mold prevention services.

You don’t want that. So, here’s how to prevent ice dams.

Preventing Ice Dams

To avoid costly winter water damage fixes, make sure your top floor or attic is properly insulated. Heat loss from these rooms can melt the snow on your roof, which leads to water lingering when it is stopped from running off.

To avoid that pooling, get your ceiling air tight – no warm air in the the attic will keep the roof cold and prevent that snow from melting when ice will hinder its path. You might also try to improve insulation from the attic to the roof, furthering blocking heat bleed.

You also want a natural ventilation flow to take place in the attic, with warm air escaping somewhere other than through the roof. Are your vents set up to introduce cold air and let heated air make its exit?

Another thing to bear in mind is attic heat caused by skylights, recessed lights, and heating ducts that might warm the roof.

Dealing with an Ice Dam

Damp or dark lines along the ceiling are marks of ice dams. If an ice dam has formed along your roof’s edge, and water is getting into your home’s top level, you’ll need to take action to remove the moisture.

Unchecked condensation in your home could make mildew and mold prevention services your next step.

If ice dams have progressed your winter water damage problems, let Intek’s mold prevention team know, and bookmark this article for next year. Remember, we offer free mold and mildew inspections if you’re in doubt!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOLD REMEDIATION IN SIOUX FALLS