Roof Ice Dams

As the Denver Metro area continues to get snow with weather that warms up and then cools back down, ice dams may be found on sloping roofs.  What is an ice dam, how is it caused, and why is it a concern?

Ice dams are created as snow melts, runs down to the eaves that are colder than the roof, and refreezes.  If this cycle repeats over several days, water can pond behind the dam and back up under the roof coverings leaking into the attic or along exerior walls.

If the attic air temperature stays the same as the outside temperature or at least below freezing, ice damming can be prevented.  Research has shown that sun exposure has little effect on attic air temperature.  The usual culprit for attic temperature change is air from the living space below penetrating into the attic.

You can prevent ice dams by keeping the attic cold through installing more insulation in the attic floor, sealing bypasses into the attic, drawing more outside air into the attic through roof vents, and making sure roof vents and gutters are clear.

You can fight an ice dam that has already formed by removing exess snow with a roof rake (make sure that the area is safe prior to attempting this), or steaming the roof.

Even though you are tempted do not use electric heat cables, chop ice off the shingles or out of the gutters, or use a blowtorch which could burn your house down.

If you notice any damage from ice damming, please contact your insurance agent.

Stay warm and safe during the upcoming cold snap!

3:23 PM - Jan. 10, 2007
View more entries tagged with: Ice Dams, Cold Weather, Roof

Freezing Pipe Prevention

After 3 rounds of snow storms in 3 weeks, the Denver metro area has another round of snow heading it's way.  With this storm, the forecasters are stating that there won't be too much snow, not several feet, just several inches, but there will be several days of really cold weather.  When cold weather approaches, water pipe (both copper and PVC) freezing is a big concern.  An 1/8" crack in a pipe can spew as much as 250 gallons of water a day.  Do you know ways to keep your pipes safe from freezing?

If there are water lines in the garage, i.e. hot water heater, keep your garage door closed.

Make sure that all hoses attached to spigots are removed with spigots turned off. 

Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature during the day and night.  If you are going to be gone from home, make sure that your heat is set at 65 degrees or above. 

Open cabinet doors where water pipes are located allowing for heat to circulate around the plumbing.  Do make sure that all chemicals are removed from those cabinets to keep your family safe.

If the weather is extremely cold, let the cold water trickle from the indoor faucets where the pipes are on outside walls. 

If pipes do crack / burst, turn off the water to the area and if needed to the entire house.  Contact a specialist to help you mediate the water damage.  Contact a plumber to repair the pipes.  Contact your insurance agent. 

3:18 PM - Jan. 10, 2007
View more entries tagged with: Freezing Pipes, Extreme Cold Weather, Prevention

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