Which Comes First, the Ice Dam, the Law of Gravity or an Unstable Roof?
Then the damn breaks, it begins by the dams, consider this this strange roofing phenomenon: Water sometimes flows uphill. It begins by backing up due to hard wind or hard ice. It accumulates until the power of gravity forces a change in direction. . The consequences may be a trickle when the other hand, when water submits to gravity your roof may leak with an explosive impact that results in great and costly destruction.
Other roofing problems that cause water to flow uphill include clogged drains, gutters and downspouts. Ice dams do not really make water flow uphill.
Back in 2006, a Metrolina construction company encountered a major leak issue during the restoration of the local Albemarle Road IRS building. It started just after a summer gully washer dumped inches of rain across all areas of Mecklenburg County. In no short time, crushing stories of flash floods, structural damage and leaky roofs dominated the news.
Rather than mere drips, the overnight leaks ran almost continuously and with no sign of stopping. Repair costs mounted quickly as did material requirements.
Seven roof drains were completely clogged with fallen leaves, limbs and other materials. The crew scared a complete collapse of the roof. Even with the accumulated backup, the water had forcibly found new ways for obeying the law of gravity.
Roofing Tips For Reliable Prevention of Ice Dams
The importance of unhampered water drain can not be overstressed. Learn how to check your roof for clogged drains, ice dams and other signs of roof damage. Regular inspections can protect protect your home From the dangers of rainfall, sleet and ice. Few things can create as much as as trapped roof water obeying the overwhelming law of gravity.
Most often you have asphalt shingled, wood shake or metal roofs. In cold snowy weather, ice dams are a typical problem.
According to the University of Minnesota, the ridge of ice dam (1). When an ice dam prevents melting show from draining off your roof, the water temporary flows uphill in the sense that It rises to a higher bulk level. The accumulated damage associated with ice dams includes:
- Web attic insulation
- Possible electrical shorts
- Collapsed ceiling tiles
- Water stains
- Ruined sheetrock
- And more.
Prevent the uphill flow of water. Do not risk the financial losses associated with ice dams, accumulated water and volatile leak damage. Correct know ice problems ASAP.
Melting snow may not create a "technical" ice ridge, but trash in the gutter can accumulate with refreezing to result in blockage and poor roof drainage . If debris gets benefit your roof shingles, water may ever get there too.
Preventing the Damage
Use a roof rake or a push broom, but be careful not to damage the roofing materials. If your home is already published signs of water damage, contact your local roofing contractor. You need immediate service.
Cleaning your gutters also giving long-term protection. Installing roofing gutter guards eliminates these drain problems. Make sure to correct any roof damage already raised by the ice dam.
Citations:
- http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/dk1068.html
