Ice damming is a common problem that homeowners in Burlington and Oakville may encounter during the cold winter months. Ice damming occurs when snow melts on the roof and then refreezes at the edge of the eavestrough/gutters. As the ice builds up, it can prevent water from flowing properly through the eavestrough/gutters, causing water to back up and potentially leak into the home.
This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including poor insulation, lack of ventilation in the attic, and improper gutter maintenance. One of the most common causes is an inadequate insulation and ventilation system, which can cause heat to escape from the home and melt the snow on the roof. As the melted snow runs down the roof and reaches the colder gutters, it refreezes and forms an ice dam.
Another common cause of ice damming is clogged eavestroughs or gutters. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in these systems over time, preventing water from flowing properly through them. When snow melts on the roof, it can become trapped in the clogged eavestroughs or gutters, refreezing and forming an ice dam.
To prevent ice damming, it is imperative to maintain proper insulation and ventilation in the attic. This can be done by adding insulation to the attic floor and ensuring that the attic has adequate ventilation to prevent heat from escaping. It is also important to keep eavestroughs and gutters clean and clear of debris, to ensure that water can flow properly through them.
Regular eavestrough and gutter cleaning can also help reduce the incidents of ice damming. This is because it will remove debris that can block the flow of water and cause it to back up and freeze. Cleaning the gutters and eavestroughs in late fall or early winter before the first snowfall is a good idea. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, there are many professionals who can do it for you.
If an ice dam does occur, it is important to address it as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking into the home. One way to remove an ice dam is to use a roof rake to carefully remove the snow from the roof. Avoid using an axe or a sharp tool as it can cause damage to the roof. You can also use a deicing cable, which can be installed along the edge of the eavestrough or gutter to melt the ice.
In conclusion, ice damming is a common problem that homeowners in Burlington and Oakville may encounter during the winter months. It can cause water to back up and potentially leak into the home, causing damage. Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic and regular eavestrough and gutter cleaning can help prevent ice damming. If an ice dam does occur, it is important to address it as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking into the home.
If you think your eavestroughs are full and need to be cleaned give Bucket Brigade Exterior Cleaning a shout. We are fully insured, and have the latest equipment to effectively and safely remove debris from your gutters / eavestroughs.
