Even though icicles might look beautiful in the winter, they are a sign that water might not be draining properly from your roof. If you see icicles or other signs of ice building up, then it’s essential to take action as soon as possible so you can prevent damage to your roof, gutters, and home.
The truth is that ice dams are more damaging than most homeowners realize. Not only does the built-up ice lead to severe and expensive damage repair, but it can also be expensive and dangerous to remove the ice.
Therefore, the best thing you can do is keep the gutters clear so you can avoid these costly obstructions in the first place. If you take a proactive approach to protect your gutters, then it has an undeniable impact on helping to avoid many problems in the future.
Ice Dams: What You Need to Know
If there is an ice dam in your gutters or on your roof, it means that the gutters are full of ice, and water can no longer flow off the roof correctly. Instead of moving through the gutters and down the drainpipes, the water starts to pool up and freeze in big chunks.
At first, ice dams might seem like a harmless issue. They even look pretty because of the icicles that are forming. But it’s not pretty when you see the damage occurring from these ice dams.
Just because there are icicles on the roofline doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem with ice dams. The icicles aren’t the issue – the real problem is if ice rests behind them. So, if you see icicles, check your roof for other areas that might be collecting ice buildup. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the attic for moisture and water stains, which could be an indication of roof damage from the ice dams.
What Happens: How Ice Dams Damage the Roof and Gutters
When the water can’t move through the gutters, then ice starts to build up and fill the gutters. The more the ice collects, the more it expands in that area because there is nowhere for the water to go.
These ice dams block the gutters, causing water runoff to seep underneath the shingles. The water beneath the shingles freezes in colder temperatures at night, resulting in extensive and expensive roof damage.
The roof is damaged, and these areas leak water and moisture into your house. The result can be serious water damage, mold growth, wood rot, and other issues requiring expensive renovations.
Additionally, the weight of the ice dams in the gutters can be too heavy for the gutters to withstand. Eventually, the gutters start to break and pull away from the house, damaging the entire water drainage system.
Call the Pros for Help with Ice Dam Removal
There’s no question that ice dams need to be removed as soon as possible. But it’s important to consider the potential danger of a DIY approach. Improper removal can cause damage to your home. Additionally, there is a risk of falls or injuries to you or your family members.
The best solution is to let the experts handle the job. Bringing in professional services reduces the risk of damage to your home and helps you avoid injury in icy conditions.
For more information about caring for your gutters, reach out to our team at Sky Power Wash. We offer exterior home maintenance services, including gutter cleaning and power washing, in all of the surrounding areas: Arlington, Marysville, Stanwood, Snohomish, Everett, and all surrounding communities. Call Sky Power Wash for a free estimate: (360) 228-2249.