What Can I Do to Protect My Home in Virginia from Ice Dam Damage?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in St. Louis County.

Our teams in Aitkin, Carlton, and West St. Louis Counties respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Virginia. During winter, ice dams are a common challenge. Here are some tips for preventing roof ice dams from the National Weather Service:

• If you haven’t already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks, and other debris from your home’s gutters and downspouts. This allows melting snow to flow into gutters and downspouts.
• Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called “roof rakes” let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances of ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.
• All winter long, keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles
• Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree that the R-value of the attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the vents is essential. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.

Call Us Today!

Virginia residents and commercial businesses can rely on our team of professionals in Aitkin, Carlton, and West St. Louis Counties for all their water and storm damage restoration needs. Call us today at 218-879-6141.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.