If you live around Culver, MN, then you know that ice dams are a common problem during the winter. But why are they more common during our winters? Let’s look at why ice dams are more common during this particular season, their impact on your home and how to deal with them if they form. Finally, we’ll give some tips on preventing ice dams from forming in your home in the first place.
Why Are Ice Dams More Common During Winter?
There are a few reasons why ice dams are more common during our winters. First, we tend to have longer and colder winters than other parts of the country. This means more opportunity for ice to form on your roof. Second, we often get a lot of snowfall during our winters, contributing to the formation of ice dams. Finally, Minnesota is home to many lakes and rivers. When these bodies of water freeze over, they release cold air into the atmosphere and can cause the snow on your roof to melt and refreeze, creating an ideal environment for ice dams to form.
The Impact of Ice Dams on Your Home
Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to your Culver, MN home and be expensive to repair. The weight of the ice can damage your gutters and cause them to pull away from your roof. The ice can also block your gutters, preventing them from draining properly. This can lead to water backup and flooding in your home. In addition, the melting and refreezing of water can damage your shingles and cause them to deteriorate. Ice dams can also create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.
How to Deal With Ice Dams
If you find an ice dam in your home, it’s important to deal with it immediately. The first thing you should do is remove the snow from your roof to reduce the weight of the ice and prevent further damage to your gutters and shingles. Once the snow has been removed, use heat tape to melt the ice dam. Do not use an ice pick or sharp object to break up the ice as you may also damage the shingles. Follow all safety instructions when using these tools. Once the ice dam has been removed, you can take steps to prevent it from reforming. Or better yet, turn to professionals to help you safely remove the ice dam.
How to Prevent Ice Dams From Forming in Your Home
There are a few things you can do to prevent ice dams from forming in your home. First, ensure your gutters are clean and debris-free, allowing them to drain properly and prevent water backup. Second, seal any gaps or cracks in your roof to prevent water from seeping in and freezing. Finally, insulate your attic to keep heat from escaping through the roof. This will prevent snow from melting and refreezing on your roof. These steps can help prevent ice dams from forming in your home this winter.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to take steps to prevent them from forming in the first place. Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota can help you do this. If you’re in Culver or Duluth, MN, we can offer you various products and services, such as rain gutter covers, to help you keep your gutters clean and free of debris. We can seal gaps or cracks in your roof and insulate your attic. Contact us today at (866) 937-3508 to learn more about how we can help you prevent ice dams this winter.