If you live in a cold area like Woburn, MA, you’ll probably notice a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof. It’s called an ice dam, and it prevents melting snow from draining off of the roof. This issue can cause water to back up behind it, potentially leading to damage.
.jpg)
In this blog post, trusted roofing company Window World of Boston enumerates four factors contributing to ice dam formation so that you know how to avoid them.
1. Poor Insulation
One of the most common causes of ice dams is poor insulation. When there is not enough insulation in your attic, warm air from inside your home will escape and heat the roof. This can cause snow to melt and refreeze at the edge of the roof, forming an ice dam.
2. Poor Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation can also lead to ice dams. When the air in your attic is not able to circulate properly, it will stay warmer than it should be, which can cause snow on your roof to melt and refreeze. Before this and poor insulation can become a problem for you, it is best to consult a roofing contractor about them.
3. Clogged Gutters
Debris buildup in gutters can also be a factor in the formation of ice dams. When your gutters are clogged with leaves, moss, twigs and broken roofing materials, water will not be able to drain properly off the roof. This problem can cause snow and ice to back up at the edge of the roof and form an ice dam.
4. Hot Attic Spaces
Ice dams can sometimes form if the air in your attic is too hot. This may be caused by inadequate insulation or an attic fan that is running too often. If this is the case, you should consider adding more insulation or reducing how often you run your attic fan to help prevent ice dams from forming.
If you are concerned about ice dams forming on your roof in Woburn, MA, turn to Window World of Boston. Our team of experts can help you identify any potential issues and determine whether or not a roofing replacement is the best solution for your home. To get started, call us at (781) 262-3925 (Woburn), (781) 343-7129 (Pembroke) or (508) 845-6676 (Shrewsbury). You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
