Winter in Michigan can be beautiful yet it is often met with ice, snow and cold days . Helping you protect your Home is our ultimate goal and we want you to be aware of a common scenario that we deal with in the winter. Ice dams forming on your home's roof is a situation that can stir up a lot of stress and possible damage.

Here's a quick breakdown on ice dams and how to prevent them.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a buildup of water that collects on the roof of heated buildings that results from melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eave and freezing there. The ice forms at the edge of the roof, under shingles and on the gutters.  Ice dams can often lead to leaks and roof collapses, creating an expensive problem.

How do you prevent ice dams?

Ice dams are not always preventable however, the best way to prevent ice dams is to be proactive. Good ventilation, drainage and proper insulation are all great ways to keep your roof free of ice dams.

Here are a few actions you can take:

  • Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
     
  • Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your home into the attic (vent pipes, exhaust fans, light fixtures, etc)
     
  • Check for signs of bad ventilation - hot air rises, so without proper ventilation, the heat that inevitably makes its way into the attic will be unable to escape, melting the snow on the rooftop.
     
  • Keep snow from accumulating on the lower sections of your roof (you can get a snow rake or a broom that allows you to get snow off of your roof while staying on the ground). Be careful when performing this task.
     
  • Consult a professional; a snow removal contractor will inspect your room to ensure that it is able to handle the winter months. They can also come out and remove the build up from the roof so you can avoid a hazardous situation.


Reach out today with any questions or to chat about your current home or possible upgrade! 

 

Tom Stachler is a state of Michigan Licensed Broker selling homes and condo in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan and surrounding area real estate markets.  Call us today to get information about your home value or finding your dream home .  Use Tom's 30+ years of experience to successfully negotiate and transaction today.  

Tom Stachler is a state of Michigan Licensed Broker selling homes and condo in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan and surrounding area real estate markets.  Call us today to get information about your home value or finding your dream home .  Use Tom's 30+ years of experience to successfully negotiate and transaction today.