Ice Dams can cause water damage to Millersville homes

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Millersville and area residents should know that icicles are a good sign there is ice damming on their roof.

We Marylander’s can to be somewhat unprepared for freezing temperatures and having sixty degree temperatures in December does not help!  But in SERVPRO’s line of business, ice damming and broken pipes can wreak havoc on a home or commercial facility during a snow storm.

It is interesting to note that water damage restoration companies in the New England area have fewer freeze related losses than we do in Maryland!  New Englander's know the importance of proper ventilation, insulation and controlling heat loss. 

When parts of a snowy roof surface become warm enough, ice damming can occur.  This occurs when part of your roof on your Millersville home warms above 32 degrees F.  The melted snow runs down the roof under existing snow cover and refreezes as temps go down or the roof edge temperatures remain below freezing.  The melted snow becomes trapped behind the ice dam and if it has nowhere to go and that can create leaks as melting snow can back up under shingles!    If you currently have an ice dam you can gently break free the ice chunks or use calcium chloride ice melter to slowly break up the dam. Prevention is key, keep ceilings air tight so no warm air from the structure can travel into attic space and keep the insulation dense.  Strive for temperatures on a roof deck to be similar to those in an attic space.

It is a best to check attic space in the winter to make sure you have no minor leaks that can potentially turn into larger issues.  SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park has technicians available who can assist if you find the water damage is too much to handle.