If you’ve ever spotted those massive icicles hanging from your roof’s edge, you’ve seen the evidence of ice dams on your Minnesota home. But what’s the big deal, right? They’ll just melt away when spring comes. Not so fast! Let’s dive into the long-term problems ice dams can cause and why removing ice dams should be on your winter to-do list.
The most immediate and noticeable problem caused by ice dams is water leakage. As the ice melts, water can seep under your shingles, causing damage to your attic, insulation, and even your home’s interior walls. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, which can lead to higher energy bills. And nobody wants that!
When we talk about ice or snow damage to the roof, we’re not just talking about a little wear and tear. Ice dams can lift shingles, allowing water to penetrate and damage the shingles along with the underlying structure. Over time, this can lead to rot and structural issues that will need to be fixed by a seasoned roofing crew.
Those heavy ice dams can pull gutters away from your home. Even if they don’t completely detach, they can cause enough damage to make your gutters ineffective. And if water isn’t being directed away from your home, you’re looking at potential foundation problems down the road, which means you’ll need to contract with a gutter replacement company and a foundation crew.
With water intrusion comes the risk of mold and mildew. These aren’t just unsightly; they can cause health issues for you and your family. Breathing in mold spores can lead to respiratory problems, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
Remember that damaged insulation we talked about? It’s not just about staying warm. Damaged insulation means your heating system has to work overtime. And that means higher energy bills. It’s a chain reaction that starts with those pesky ice dams.
Now that we’ve painted a pretty grim picture, let’s talk solutions. You might’ve heard of folks using hammers, chisels, or salt-filled pantyhose to deal with ice dams. But there’s a safer, more effective method: ice dam steaming.
BD Exteriors uses a 300-degree, 100-PSI roof steaming system to gently steam away the ice dam, starting at the roof’s edge and moving in. No damage, no fuss. Just a clean, ice-free roof ready to face the rest of winter.
If you’re spotting those icicles and thinking it’s just a winter wonderland decoration, think again. The problems ice dams cause over time can be a real headache for homeowners. But don’t stress! If you’re dealing with ice dams or want to prevent them in the first place, give us a shout!
Fill out our contact form or give us a ring at (320) 229-2855. We’re here to help, and we’d love to chat about how we can make your winter a little less icy and a lot more cozy. Stay warm out there, folks!
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