After a good snowfall you may see water stains making their way across the ceiling. Icicles are put on display by your gutters for all to see, like in a postcard. And come the thaw there is an apprehension as to what will be left in its wake.
You would know ice dams if you have seen any of the above. In New England one is not alone in that experience. We at JP Carroll Roofing, LLC can put you in touch with some answers; a call to (860) 775-7511 will do. For over three decades, since 1987 to be exact, we have put homeowners in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island right after they have been put out by winter roof damage.
Before we get to that though, it is worth understanding why an ice dam is so much of a nuisance and what it is made of.
What Is an Ice Dam?
Heat from within the house will warm the upper reaches of the roof and in doing so melt the snow on top. The water makes its way down to the eaves and gutters where it is cold enough to refreeze. The process repeats until there is a ridge of ice that holds back more water.
That water is forced to go up and under the shingles. It is only then that the trouble really starts.
The Aftermath of an Ice Dam
There is ample time for an ice dam to make itself felt during a New England winter. When we are called in, these are the issues we tend to find:
- Leaks in the attic or walls that manifest as a stain on the ceiling
- Water left to sit under the surface rots the decking and shingles
- Gutters torn or sagging under the weight of ice
- Moisture in the walls warping the drywall and peeling paint
- Insulation and framing in the attic compromised by mold and mildew
- Soffits and fascia along the edge of the roof in disrepair
In many cases the damage is well advanced before it is apparent. A spot on the ceiling can belie something more serious behind it.
Why New England Homes Are Prone to It
With the repeated thaws, the cold and the volume of snow, our region is ideal for ice dams. You will find this pattern in Boston, Worcester, Hartford, New Haven, Manchester, Nashua and Providence from one winter to the next.
An older home is in greater danger. The insulation and ventilation with which they were put up are not always up to the task of today’s winters. Warm air in the attic is what drives the cycle of melting and refreezing.
Lessening the Risk
One does not have to put up with ice dams year in and year out. Some measures will go a long way to curbing the damage and how often they occur:
- Better attic insulation to deny heat to the roof
- Upgraded ventilation for a more uniform temperature on the roof
- Clearing the gutters and downspouts for proper drainage
- Any air leaks about the light fixtures, ductwork or hatches should be sealed
- An inspection prior to winter to put a finger on weak spots
If the roof has been damaged, the prudent thing is to replace the shingles and put in new decking.
Make a Call to a Pro
Recurring leaks or a heavy accumulation of ice are indications that a quick fix will not suffice for your roof. We have put in 30,000 roofs in New England and can tell you what is causing the ice dam damage.
We are part of the GAF President’s Club, an honor held by less than 1% of contractors in the country, and will put in systems with the GAF Golden Pledge warranty of up to 50 years. Being a second-generation family business we will give you a free estimate to lay out your options. Should you need to make a replacement or repair, 0% financing is available through GreenSky with pre-qualification being a formality.
Do not let the next thaw make a major job of a minor one. Our people are here between 7:30am and 9:00pm to have a look at your roof and put your mind at ease. Get in touch with us at JP Carroll Roofing, LLC, (860) 775-7511.
