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| Metal Roofing Panels Guide
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Ice Dam: A Danger for Roof
Ice dam gutters, preventing ice dams roof, ice dam membrane
It was last winter. I saw some stains on ceiling of my living room.
It had no rained for many days. I was a bit confused and could not guess
the cause of stain. I tried a lot but in vain. Finally I took out a ladder
and climbed up on the roof of my house. I was shocked to see a ridge of
ice near the drainage on the roof. I had to break it with shovel to save
further damage to roof of my home, but it had already done a lot. Alas!
Should I have knowledge of ice dams prior to this damage; a lot of money
spent on the repairs of the roof had been saved. I am telling this story
to you to save you from this situation. After that incident, I studied
a lot about ice dams. Here is some more information and some tips to save
roof of your house from these.
Ice dam is a crest of snow that is formed near the edges of the roof of
your house. This may prevent ice from melting and draining from the roof
by blocking the drainage pipe from its top. Melted ice behind this finds
its way to any hole or joint in the roof and starts leaking. This may
damage ceilings, insulation, basement and also walls of your house.
In the winter season it is common to fall snow for many days. This snow
accumulates on the roof. The temperature below 32 degree Fahrenheit is
ideal for formation of ice dams. Ice dams are more common on the roofs
that are exposed to sun and have large surface areas. Roof with many dormers
is also ideal for ice build up. When the roof of the temperature is slightly
increased by sun this snow which is behind the ice dam is melt. It starts
leaking through cracks and holes in the exterior roof.
To prevent damage from ice dam you should use waterproofing membrane in
high risk areas for leakage i.e. on roof space, along valleys and also
behind the gutters. Waterproofing membrane is also mandatory to use in
the states that falls in “Snow Belt”.
You should ensure proper ventilation for garret to keep it cold. Increased
temperature may cause ice to melt and will stop from freezing. This will
increase the amount of water on the roof. The roof also should be properly
insulated so that heat from inside your house may not warm roof and cause
melting the ice. Always use good quality water repellent membrane under
the covering on the roof of the house. Always keep lighting tubes and
bulbs at a sufficient height from your roof to avoid heat. These also
emit a lot of heat.
I think by following the above mentioned guidelines you may save your
house from damage caused by ice dam and avoid aggravation and expenses.
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