Winter brings more than just chilly mornings and snow-covered landscapes—it can also bring some serious roofing headaches. One of the biggest culprits? Ice dams. These sneaky buildups can lead to costly damage if ignored, but the good news is, they’re preventable. At Allied Exteriors Inc., we’re here to break it all down and help you protect your roof this winter.
What Is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof, typically after a heavy snowfall followed by warmer daytime temperatures and freezing nights. Heat from inside your home escapes into the attic, warming the roof and melting the snow. The melted snow then trickles down to the eaves, which stay colder, and refreezes—creating a dam of ice that blocks water from draining properly.
As water backs up behind the dam, it can seep under your shingles and into your home, causing roof leaks, insulation issues, ceiling stains, and even mold growth. Not exactly the kind of winter “wonderland” you want.
Why Ice Dams Are a Big Deal
At first, ice dams might seem like a minor nuisance. But the reality is, they can lead to:
- Roof leaks and water damage
- Rotting wood and damaged insulation
- Interior ceiling and wall damage
- Mold and mildew issues
- Shortened roof lifespan
If you’re in New Cumberland or the surrounding areas, where winter temperatures often fluctuate around the freezing point, your roof is especially at risk.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
The key to avoiding ice dams is to keep your roof cold in winter. Sounds odd, right? But when your attic stays cold, snow on your roof won’t melt prematurely and refreeze at the edges. Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Improve Attic Insulation
Insulation helps keep warm air inside your home—where it belongs. When your attic is properly insulated, less heat escapes and your roof stays closer to the outside temperature.
2. Ventilate Your Attic
Ventilation is just as important as insulation. Soffit and ridge vents allow cold air to circulate in your attic, helping maintain an even roof temperature and reducing the risk of ice dam formation.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Heat can escape through small openings around light fixtures, pipes, chimneys, and attic hatches. Sealing these gaps will help prevent heat from sneaking up into your attic and warming your roof.
4. Install Heat Cables
In problem areas, heat cables or de-icing wires can be installed along the roof’s edge to help prevent ice buildup. These can be a smart investment for homes that are especially prone to ice dams.
5. Professional Roof Inspection
The best way to know if your roof is vulnerable to ice dams? A professional inspection. At Allied Exteriors Inc., we offer comprehensive winter roof inspections to help you stay ahead of problems. We’ll check for signs of damage, assess your attic insulation and ventilation, and recommend practical solutions tailored to your home.
Let’s Keep Your Roof Safe This Winter
Ice dams are preventable, and with the right strategy, you can avoid mid-winter roofing emergencies. Whether you need a roof inspection, insulation upgrade, or help with ventilation, the experts at Allied Exteriors Inc. have you covered.
We’ve been proudly serving New Cumberland and surrounding areas with reliable roofing, siding, and gutter services for over 25 years. Our team knows what it takes to protect homes through the harshest Pennsylvania winters, and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Contact Allied Exteriors Inc. Today
Don’t let ice dams sneak up on you this winter. Schedule a roof inspection with our team and make sure your home is ready for the cold. Visit our site or give us a call to get started!
