During the winter, Grand Rapids, Michigan often turns into a snowy wonderland that many residents look forward to—however, most area homeowners also know that this time of year can be more strenuous on their roofing systems. One of the most common winter roofing problems is ice dams. If you notice long icicles, uneven snow melt or water stains on your ceiling, you may be dealing with an ice dam!
While many folks know that ice dams are something to be on the lookout for, understanding what they are and why they form can make it even easier to prevent them in the first place. Avalon, a trusted Grand Rapids roofing company, knows a thing or two about ice dams, and what homeowners should do to keep their roofs and homes safe all winter long.
How Do Ice Dams Form?
During the winter months in Grand Rapids, roofing systems are susceptible to constant freeze-thaw cycles. A freeze-thaw cycle is the process of attic heat melting the snow sitting on top of your home, which runs down and refreezes at the edge of the roofline. Over time, this could turn into a large wall of ice known as an ice dam, blocking water from draining through your gutters. If left unattended, ice dams can lead to damage like:
- Rotted Decking
- Roof Leaks
- Damaged Insulation
- Mold Growth
- Cracked Shingles
- Structural Strain
How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?
Ice dams are relatively common in areas like Grand Rapids, but there are many steps homeowners can take to prevent their formation. The best way to keep ice dams at bay is by ensuring your roof is properly insulated and ventilated—ahead of winter, schedule a roof inspection to determine if your insulation and venting systems need any adjustments before the temperatures start to drop. Other steps to take include:
- Tight Seals: Make sure that areas such as your chimney, vents or skylights are properly sealed and won't let any additional heat from inside your home escape.
- Clean Gutters: Keep your gutters clear of any debris or snow so that they can properly drain water away and prevent it from backing up in your home.
- Remove Snow: If you have more than a couple inches of snow on top of your home, its best to get it removed to prevent the formation of ice dams.
When Should I Get a Roofer Involved?
If there are already ice dams formed at the edge of your roofline, it's time to get in touch with a trusted roofing contractor. A professional team will know how to remove ice dams without damaging your roofing materials and will even be able to help with some long-term solutions, including installing heat cables to resist the formation of ice dams in the first place!
For expert-grade winter roofing solutions in Grand Rapids, just get in touch with Avalon. We offer a variety of roofing solutions, ranging from full roof replacements to storm damage repairs, and have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from our past customers for the quality of our craftsmanship and customer care. Get in touch with us today to learn more, and for a free estimate on any of our Grand Rapids roofing services!
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