Protect Your Home From Ice Dams

Glacial Problems?

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you know how damaging winter ice dams can be to your roof. Melting water becomes trapped beneath roofing shingles, and eventually, drip, drip, drip! Not good. Caused by melting snow on the warmer, higher areas of your roof, which then refreezes when it reaches the cooler edges of the roof, it creating a dam that continues to trap more melting water. But don’t despair. As a homeowner, there are important steps you can take to help protect your home from ice dams.

PROPER INSULATION

• Floor Insulation - When warm air from inside your home enters the attic, it can make the roof warm enough to cause the formation of ice upon your roof. Adequate insulation helps to prevent this issue, particularly on the attic floor. If your home is older, chances are good that its insulation is insufficient.

• Air Leaks - Air leaks are another frequent contributor to this issue. All air leaks leading to the attic must be discovered and thoroughly sealed in order to prevent ice dams.

ADEQUATE ATTIC VENTILATION

• Does your roof have soffit vents? If so, great! If not, you will need gable vents (or possibly roof vents) installed to allow cold air to enter your attic during winter months. Gas furnace in your attic? Be certain the furnace is professionally insulated, to eliminate the risk of heat from unit operation entering the space.

PREVENTION PRODUCTS

• Heating Cables - Install at the eaves of your roof and turn them on during and after a snowstorm to melt away pesky ice buildup at the edges of your roof.

• Snow Rakes - Use to push up and clear off the snow on your roof, in order to help you stop ice dams from forming.

METAL ROOFING

• Designed with a special finish to shed snow and ice in the winter, installing a metal roof (in conjunction with necessary insulation and ventilation) is a terrific way to fight ice dam formation.

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Contact Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal

When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer you can rely on to help you prepare your roof for winter, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.

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