Ice Dams and the Damage They Can Cause

Ice dams are a common issue in any part of the country that sees significant snow and ice. While residents of Medford are likely ready for warmer weather, melting snow can still cause problems with fluctuating temperatures. Ice dams can cause serious roof damage and may lead to other problems like water damage if left unchecked. Hadley Roofing in Medford, OR can help address your roof problems including ice dams.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam forms on the edge of a roof, usually near the gutter. As snowmelt and other precipitation accumulates, freezes, melts, and then refreezes, these ice dams grow very quickly and prevent water from running off of the roof and into the gutter appropriately. Over time, ice dams can lead to broken gutters, potentially also causing a serious risk of injury from large chunks of ice falling on people below.

Why Are Ice Dams Dangerous?

While frozen, an ice dam generally poses no more danger than an icicle hanging from your gutter. The problems with ice dams arise when melting occurs; the melted ice can become trapped near the ice dam and start to seep under the roof shingles. Additionally, ice dams frozen to roof shingles can degrade them, cause them to chip or shed granules, and eventually expose the underlying roof materials to water damage.

Ice dams pose several significant issues to property owners:

• Chunks of ice falling from the roof can cause severe injuries.

• Melting ice dams can damage the roof and gutters.

• Water can seep inside the structure, causing peeling paint, sagging ceilings, and warped floors.

• Water entering an attic can seep into insulation, causing it to lose its protective qualities and fostering the growth of mold and mildew.

Fixing Ice Dams

Removing snow and ice from the roof is the best way to prevent ice dams from forming but doing so can be dangerous for the average person. Additionally, the tools most would use to clear away ice dams could damage the roof materials. A push broom or “roof rake” can easily damage shingles and lead to more problems.

The best way to address an ice dam issue is to contact an experienced roofer. Hadley Roofing in Medford, OR offers a full range of roofing services. We can assess your ice dam issues and help you determine a roof replacement option to prevent ice dam formation in the future.

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