The winter season will soon be upon us; here are a few things you should know about ice dams before the snow and cold hits!!

If your home has asphalt shingles (which most do), then you are at a significant risk for developing ice dams.

What are ice dams?

If you let snow build up on your roof, you are putting yourself at risk for ice dams developing. When snow on your roof melts and runs down the roof to the edge/ eaves (which are not insulated) it will freeze again. As more and more snow melts, the ice builds up, creating an ice dam.

If gone untreated, the water will back up into the shingles, creating a potentially bigger problem – roof leaks.

This illustration shows how ice dams develope.

(-photo credit http://www.roofcalc.org/top-10-ice-dams-prevention-products/)

What are some ways to prevent these ice dams from forming?

• More attic insulation
• Keeping the snow shoveled off your roof
• Having a heating cord installed

For more information about ice dams, visit our website! www.advancedhomeimprovement.com

If you suspect that ice dams have ruined your roof, call us for a FREE roof estimate!!