Middendorf Insurance - News
Ice Dams
As another week of sub-freezing weather comes our way, here are some helpful hints for preventing ice dams courtesy of West Bend Mutual and the Institute for Business & Home Safety.
An ice dam is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, especially around the gutter. When residual heat melts the snow on the roof, the water runs down and then refreezes at the roof's edge, where temperatures are cooler. The ice then builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof. The result is the water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your home.
Once an ice dam forms, damage can be serious. Here are some helpful steps to try and avoid trouble:
- Keep the attic well ventilated. The colder the attic, the less melting and refreezing on the roof
- Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within your home
- Avoid recessed lighting near the roof. The heat generated from the lights increases the possibility of an ice dam.
These three steps do not guarantee that an ice dam will not form, they do reduce the possibility of an ice damn forming. As an extra precaution against roof leaks if an ice dam does form, install a water repellent membrane under your roof covering. You will need to check with your local building inspector about minimum code requirements for ice dam protection.
Are you really covered for ice dams? Call Middendorf Insurance Associates at 515-252-1414 for a complete review of your coverage to find out.