Ice Dams: Your Roof's Worst Enemy

When snow that has accumulated on your roof melts due to warm air coming from the inside of your home, it doesn't get very far. It actually freezes pretty quickly again, but not before becoming what is called an ice dam.   These build up near cold spots on your roof and can collect melted water. Given enough time, the water can make its way into your home, causing a leak.

How can you prevent an ice dam from forming on your roof? The easiest thing to do is to seal any warm air leaks that might be coming from your attic. Also, make sure your insulation is adequate. If sections are starting to fail you, have them replaced. Lastly, before the snow even gets a chance to arrive, clear out your gutters. Gutters full of leaves and other debris can actually give ice dams a place to form.

If you need your roof or gutters checked out before the tough winter months take hold, give Total Home Exteriors a call and schedule a free estimate. The phone number is 612-388-7795.

Protecting Your Roof in the Winter

Syracuse.com, the official website of the Syracuse Post Standard, published an article about how the every day Joe or Jane can take steps to protect his or her roof from the winter elements. Of course, you shouldn't  consider doing anything remotely dangerous. If something on your roof seems awry and you can't safely fix it yourself, call a professional (such as the folks at Total Home Exteriors). However, there are a few things you can do without climbing onto the roof.

For instance, keeping your attic cold can help quite a bit. This prevents snow on your roof from melting too quickly, which in turn keeps harmful ice from forming. Another thing you can do is pull snow and ice off your roof using a long rake. If your gutters are filling up with ice and debris, use a hammer and chisel to break the ice apart. Again, be careful, and call a professional if you feel you're putting yourself at risk.