5 Signs You Have an Ice Dam

Snowfall is one of the many wonders of winter, but underneath this wonder lies a potential hazard which is an Ice dam. It is a buildup of snow that leads to severe damage to your roof and the exterior of your building. The formation of an ice dam signifies fluctuations in temperature, which causes snow to melt during the day and freeze up at night. Therefore, it is important to observe indicators and signs of an ice dam forming to avoid the risks of damage.

Top 5 Signs You Have an Ice Dam 

Early discovery of an ice dam can save you extra expenses for repairs. Ice dams can cause lasting damage to your property if unaddressed and here are 5 signs you have one:

• Icicles 

The formation of icicles is a strong indicator of an ice dam. Icicles show that an ice dam is preventing proper snow drainage. In this case, snow on the roof melts and runs down to the eaves, then freezes up again to form bits of ice(icicles). Early detection and control would avoid the risk of further damage to your roofing material. 

• Clogged Drainage

In colder temperatures, gutters and drains can freeze up and cause an ice dam to form. Clogged gutters also prevent melted snow from draining off the roof, which can lead to an even bigger leak and increase the damage to the roof. A lasting solution to this would be for homeowners to take the sanitation of gutters and drains very seriously, especially during the winter.

• Water Stains 

Another telltale of an ice dam is a noticeable trace of water stains on the walls and ceilings of the house. Ice dams seep water into your home and leave traces of water stains on the wall. It not only ruins the roof where the ice dam is formed but also ruins the aesthetic of your interior. Hence, the minute you notice these stains, they should be properly inspected as they can lead to water damage.

• Snow Build-up 

While it is normal to see a large amount of snow during the winter, a significant accumulation of prolonged solidified snow can be a sign of an abnormality. Once the build-up of snow continues, you could have a gigantic ice dam to deal with. 

• Changes in Temperature 

An unstable temperature is the perfect temperature for an ice dam to form. The shift in temperature from warm to cold in the day and night respectively, allows melted snow to freeze up and create an ice dam. Changes in temperature should be monitored carefully to avoid developing an ice dam on your roof.

Ice dams are exhausting and can weaken your roof over time. However, you can prevent that from happening, and the most vital step is to contact a professional. At The Gutter Queen, their team of experts specializes in safe ice dam removal and other insulation and ventilation services. Contact us today to learn more about our gutter services!