Ice dams can be prevalent problems in northern climates where cold snowy weather is followed by clear, sunny, but cold days. But what causes an ice dam and do you prevent them from happening?
Ice dams are caused when ice begins to form at the eave of your roof and then backs up either on top of or underneath your shingles. This causes a problem when that ice goes so far back up the roof that it reaches the heated attic space and then melts. The water can then follow a nail, staple, or other penetration through the roof deck and into the soffit or your ceiling.
You can prevent an ice dam by installing heat tape, a heat panel, or some other product. But the more common way to deal with it is to install ice & water shield at your eaves and try to prevent the water from coming through the roof deck.
Homestead Roofing, Inc is a licensed and fully-insured roofing contractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We serve homeowners in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Falcon, Peyton, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Elbert, and other surrounding communities in El Paso, Teller, Elbert, and Chaffee counties.