PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM ICE DAMS (courtesty
of CertainTeed Corporation)
Ice dams are formed
when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the
attic and warms the roof decking during the winter.
This heat, combined with heat from the sun, can melt
snow on the roof. Melting snow on the upper roof and
in the valleys then runs down toward the eaves as water.
When it reaches the cold eaves and gutters it refreezes.
The continual thaw and re-freeze process creates ice
dams. The result is water backing up under the roof
shingles or behind fascia boards where it can soak through
the roof decking or wall sheathing, causing damage to
attics, ceilings and walls.
There are three ways to defend against
the damage ice dams cause: insulation, ventilation
and water-proofing shingle
underlayment. All three work together. Insulation
keeps heat from escaping from your home’s living
space into your attic. Ventilation removes the heat
and helps keep the roof deck evenly cool to help prevent
snow from melting on the roof. Finally, waterproofing
shingle underlayment is laid across the roof before
roof shingles are applied.
BACK |