Ice dams can occur in almost any climate, but they're more likely to happen in colder climates like Oklahoma’s. There are preventive measures homeowners can take to keep ice dams in check and avoid costly damage to roofs.When temperatures rise during the winter, most Broken Arrow residents are happy to strip off cumbersome jackets and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. But it is often these conditions that lead to dangerous ice dams. So just how do ice dams form?First, temperatures must be cold enough to produce freezing conditions that lead to the formation of ice on the roof. A long or large snowfall could also cause snow to accumulate on the roof. Then two things can happen:
A warm weather system moves in, and the warm air starts to melt the snow and ice that’s gathered on the roof.
Warm air from your home rises up into the attic space and warms up the room, which causes the ice and snow to begin melting.
The ice and snow then drains in the form of water, dripping underneath the snow and ice, and down to the overhang where your home’s eaves are located. Since the eaves are still cold, the water refreezes and creates what is known as an "ice dam." As the water builds up around this “dam,” it can seep back into the attic and even extend into the home.There are several steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming:
Have a contractor evaluate your roof.
Seal air leaks in the attic space, especially those that exist between the attic and the home.
Increase the effectiveness of attic insulation to stop the movement of heat between the attic ceiling and the out of doors.
Use a ventilation system in the attic to maintain a consistent temperature between the roof and the outside.
If you’d like expert help with ice dam prevention and creating an efficient and durable attic, or if you have other heating and cooling questions, contact Air Assurance today! For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to get started today! Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock