When we are still susceptible to heat waves with temperatures in the nineties and the potential for severe thunderstorms and/or a pop-up tornado, ice dams may be the last thing on your mind. However, it will not be long before the temperate summer months give way to chillier temperatures. And when the cooler temperatures return, it is only a matter of time before we have to face the oncoming ravages of winter. Ice dams are one of the many issues we face during the Minnesota winters. Minnesota Leafless Gutters recommends that you avoid ice dams by preparing now.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams form as a result of a gutter system’s inability to move water through and away from your house. The snow and ice that falls on your home melts and then refreezes, which prevents subsequent precipitation from flowing away from your house. The frozen mass in your gutters can grow to such an extent that it pushes up under your roof line and the shingles on your roof. The air underneath your roof is warmer than the air outside, so the ice melts again, but this time it has an entry point in your home. In the middle of winter, when the temperatures outside are below freezing, you can find yourself with water leaking into your upstairs crawl space, your attic, and top floor rooms.
Ice dams are no fun. But Minnesota Leafless Gutters has the experience and knowledge to help you prevent them from ever forming. The most important ways to prevent ice dams has to do with proper insulation and ventilation in your attic or upstairs crawl space. Overheated attics melt the snow and ice that land on your roof, and the resulting water re-freezes in your gutters. No attic or upstairs crawl space is perfectly insulated. There will likely always be spots on your roof that are warmer than others. The limits of effective insulation are helped by improving ventilation. A strong combination of insulation and ventilation goes a long way toward preventing uneven melting of frozen precipitation that can become an ice dam.
Minnesota Leafless Gutters can Prevent Ice Dams this Winter
Minnesota Leafless Gutters can help you avoid ice dams by addressing these issues. We can also help you by ensuring that your gutters remain clear of the debris that prevents optimal gutter flow. We have a wide range of products to match and complement your home’s appearance, and we are committed to providing you with competitive pricing and excellent customer service. It is never too early to prevent ice dams from forming. Give us a call at (612) 221-0362 for more information.
