We are just beginning to see the spring thaw in certain portions of the northern United States. People are getting spring fever and looking forward to getting outdoors and shaking off the effects of a long and, for some, heavy winter. So you may ask why anyone should be concerned about the effects of ice damming on their home.
The winter of 2013 has left much of the northeastern and mid-western United States under a mountain of snow. In certain portions of the New England states snow fall totals exceeded 8 feet this winter. This record amount of snow fall puts stress on roof systems and structures.
Corresponding fluctuating temperatures lead to melting and freezing cycles which can result in ice damming along gutter edges causing extensive leaks and subsequent damages to the interior of homes in the region. Many homes throughout the regions experience problems.
You may have been lucky enough to avoid these problems. However, this may not be due to the fact that the roof on your home is constructed in a way that helps avoid ice damming. It may have been because the weather patterns that we experienced as a nation missed the region that you live in.
Now that spring is here it's a great opportunity to look at the warm weather as a chance to review your roof for safeguards against this type of damage should your property be exposed to this type of winter next year.
If you are unsure if the roof on your residence or business is constructed with safeguards against this type of damage, it is recommended that you contact a professional roofing contractor to review your structure and advise you on steps you can take to avoid these problems.
Have you experienced any type of snow and ice damming through the winter of 2013?
Photo © www.istockphoto.com/aoldman. Snow drift on roof.
Photo © www.istockphoto.com/maunger. Home Repair Series - roofing.