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Ice Dams: What You Need to Know

Ice dams are a common issue that many homeowners face during the winter months. Although they may seem like a minor problem, they can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Read on as Advantage Seamless Gutters, a reliable local gutter company in Baxter and Brainerd, MN, discusses everything you must know to keep your home safe from ice dams.

Ice Dams: What You Need to Know

What Are Ice Dams?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof, typically caused by snow and cold temperatures. As the snow melts on top of a roof, it runs down into the gutters, which refreezes when temperatures drop below freezing. When this refrozen water builds up in your drains, it can cause significant damage to your gutters and home if left unchecked.

What Problems Can Be Caused by Ice Dams?

Ice dam formation can damage your gutters, roof and siding. Below are the most common types of gutter problems caused by iced dams.

Water Damage 

When an ice dam is present, melting snow can seep into your home through openings in your roof’s shingles, windows, doors or other small cracks in exterior walls. This water infiltration can lead to severe water damage inside your home that could cost thousands to repair if left unchecked for too long.

Cracks on Roofs, Gutters and Siding 

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to roofs, gutters and siding due to their weight. Excessive pressure on your roofing materials can lead to cracks or even collapse in extreme cases. Ice dams also block the flow of melted snow from running off your roof into the gutter system. This problem can result in water buildup, which can cause severe damage if not addressed promptly.

How to Prevent Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams can be a headache, but with the proper preventive measures, you’ll be able to go through winter with little to no problems. Below are some helpful preventive measures.

Ensure Proper Attic Insulation and Ventilation 

Proper insulation and ventilation of your attic space are essential to preventing ice dams in Baxter, MN. Ensuring that all areas within the attic have adequate insulation will help keep cool air out during colder months when temperatures drop below freezing outside. Also, proper ventilation helps reduce humidity levels in your attic, preventing snow from melting too quickly on top of your roof and running into the gutters where it would refreeze. 

Have Your Gutters Regularly Checked by Experts

Look for local gutter installers and inspectors who can regularly check your gutters for any signs of damage. Possible problems include missing shingle granules and decay around the soffit and fascia boards. Having these issues determined by a professional can help you catch any potential damage before they become severe and costly.

If you need immediate gutter replacement services, Advantage Seamless Gutters can help. Our team specializes in providing excellent gutter services to help keep homes safe in winter. For a free quote, call us at (218) 270-2663 or complete our online form. We proudly serve homeowners in Brainerd and Baxter, MN.