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Wintertime in Chicagoland is notorious for subzero temperatures and large accumulations of snow. A common problem for homeowners is ice damming. An ice dam is defined as: “an accumulation of frozen water in the gutter system at the roof edge that prevents subsequent drainage of melting snow from the roof and gutter system.” Most of us recognize an ice dam situation by the large and sometimes scary icicles that hang from our gutters! These dams occur when the warm air from your house escapes into your attic. During the day the snow and ice on your roof melt from the heat in the attic and the sun shining on the roof. Then at night, the water begins to refreeze at the gutter line, and the continuing melt on the roof has nowhere else to go but up.
The proper solution to avoid ice damming includes up-to-spec insulation in the attic, proper attic ventilation, and a two-ply membrane that prevents water from backing up under the shingles on your roof, commonly known as ice and water shield. Insulation keeps the warm air inside your home and out of your attic. Proper attic ventilation also helps regulate the attic temperature to prevent ice dams from starting in the first place.
An ice dam typically begins on the interior of the house, when warm air rises into an area that is unheated, like an attic space. The warm area allows snow on the adjacent roof to melt, and the melted snow flows down the roof to the gutters and then re-freezes overnight. The resulting ice builds up along the eaves, and soon creates a “dam”. The dam forces the water to back up under the shingles since it has nowhere else to go. In extreme cases, the backed-up water can find its way to the interior, causing damage to ceilings, walls and floors. When the water has nowhere to go because ice is completely blocking drainage, expansion causes the water literally to travel up your roof slope and possibly under your shingles.
If the water is penetrating under your shingles, you should hope you have the two ply, self-adhered polymer bitumen underlayment known as ice and water shield. Ice and water shield does not prevent ice dams from occurring. This is a common misunderstanding, mainly because of the name. Ice and water shield is a protective membrane that shields what is underneath your shingles in the event an ice dam occurs. In Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, code requires this membrane to be installed on eave lengths 24” past the heated wall. That should protect your felt, plywood, and interior home from the water getting through in the most common space for water backup to occur.
Since many clients aren't familiar with ice dams, they may mistake ice dams for a roof leak. A roof leak would occur during any seasons, not just winter. If your “roof leak” is only happening during subzero temps, it is most likely an ice dam. You will also most likely see large icicles in the gutters. Most insurance companies do not cover ice dam removal. However, they may cover the interior damage that was caused by the ice dams.
Prevention and proper maintenance are key to keeping your interior and exterior dry during the winter season. If you have ice and snow that have accumulated on your roof or gutters you might to consider calling an insulation company, to properly seal your attic space. If you have experienced ice dams in the past, and are worried about getting them this season, call Top to Bottom Construction. Not only are we are experienced in ice dam removal, we have the correct equipment to remove the ice dams without damaging your shingles.
So, remember, keep the heat in and the cold outside. Keep your home dry and prevent ice dams. If you feel you are at risk for ice dams, or have experienced ice dams in the past, and aren't sure how to prevent them from happening again, call the professionals at Top to Bottom Construction. We are here to help you and your home stay cozy and dry during every winter season!