Ice dams can build up on your roof during the winter, but did you know that they can actually impact your plumbing? Working to keep your home maintained and cleaned will help keep your home safe and structurally sound. Preventing ice dams from forming on your roof will help you keep water out of your home and limit damage to the exterior of your home. This blog will discuss the risks that can occur around your home and how to prevent ice dams from affecting your plumbing.
Water Backup And Leaks
When water is unable to drain off of the roof, it can cause puddles or pooling underneath the shingles. Ice dams create a block where standing water can occur and cause mold growth. Water backup can cause your roof and gutters to leak which is inconvenient and damaging to your home. Avoid leaks by removing snow quickly after a storm.
Frozen Pipes
Ice dams are typically caused by heat escaping from your home and causing the snow to melt too quickly. This frozen water overflows out of the gutters and forms large chunks of ice. When heat is escaping your home, your pipes are also at risk of freezing. Ensuring that your attic, basement, and doors are sealed can prevent frozen pipes that could burst.
How To Prevent Ice Dams
The best way to protect your plumbing is to prevent ice dams from occurring in the first place. Below are some ways that homeowners can keep their homes safe.
1- Insulate Your Attic
Letting excess heat escape from the home can cause many issues in the home. Proper attic insulation will keep a consistent temperature on your roof and prevent ice dams. Insulation will also help you limit the risk of frozen pipes and will help you have a more energy-efficient home.
2- Remove Snow From Your Roof
When snow starts to pile up on your roof, you run the risk of collapse and ice build-up in your gutters. When you live in a climate with extremely cold winters and a lot of snowfall, having it safely removed from your home can provide you with better peace of mind.
3- Improve Your Home Ventilation
While having the attic insulated is important, having proper ventilation is also needed. Your home needs to have a way to expel an excessive amount of hot air to keep your home comfortable and protect your roof. When your roof is heated from underneath and snow is piled up high, the bottom layers can melt before the top and cause melting issues. Having a roof inspection can help you determine what can be done to improve the ventilation and insulation of your home.
4- Properly Maintain The Gutters
Keeping the gutters and downspouts free of debris will allow water and snow to flow through them properly. This is especially important during the winter months when moisture is more common. Preventing ice dams is only possible when your gutters a clear.
5- Install Heat Cables
Heat cables are available for your roof and gutters when you notice an excess of ice. They are installed along the roof, the eaves, and the gutters to provide consistent sources of heat that will melt the snow at the right rate.
Plumbing Repairs From Connect
Our team offers plumbing services like water heater maintenance, gutter maintenance, and sewer cleaning. Not only do we work on the plumbing of your home, but we also offer electrical services, heating and cooling, and refrigeration. Our team focuses on providing you with quality work while also building a personal relationship with all our clients. Our team and owners are involved in all parts of the project including, project design, repairs, and completion.
If you need residential services or commercial services, our team can help. We want to help you achieve a functional and appealing space. Contact our team at Connect to get started today!
