Older Male With the arrival of the first day of winter, the cold season has officially started. Although we don’t get nearly as much snow as other parts of the country, we still get around 5 inches year on average. Average annual rainfall here is little over 45 inches, which may not seem like much but is really somewhat greater than the U.S. average. We see a lot of damp days combined with sleet throughout the winter months, which may be just as much of a nuisance as snow can be.
Winter’s severe weather can wreak havoc on our homes’ exteriors, especially our gutters. Since it is in charge of collecting and carrying away meltwater and rainfall, it works nonstop to keep our homes safe from drainage difficulties. An ice dam is one of the most destructive wintertime situations that may affect a gutter system. Read on to find out the costs of ice dams and gutter backups, as well as preventative measures you may take.
How do Ice Dams Form, Exactly?
Climates with winter precipitation and seasonal temperature change, such as that of Virginia, are prone to ice dam formation. Ice dams, for the uninitiated, are large, heavy slabs of ice that form in a gutter and then hang over the face of a building. In certain cases, ice dams may severely destroy a house. Choosing Roof and gutter plumbers is most essential for you now.
Ice dams arise when warm air from within a structure escapes, causing snow or other precipitation to melt and pool in a gutter. This thawed water will freeze again when temperatures dip below freezing, but it will thaw again when heat escapes from the house or when temperatures rise above freezing. During the winter months, there is a never-ending cycle that causes large pieces of ice to accumulate in your gutters.
What Issues May Result from Ice Dams?
Besides being unsightly, ice dams may cause serious harm to people and their possessions. When ice dams form, they block water from draining properly, leading to flooding on the roof or under the shingles. The roof itself might be harmed by ice jams. When water is allowed to collect inside of a gutter system, it may produce leaks, which can lead to water damage.
Since ice dams add extra weight, they may cause the gutters to separate from the house and even harm the roof. The gutters, soffit, fascia boards, siding, and other parts of the home are all at risk. If a loved one is close when an ice dam breaks, they might be hurt. It would be terrible if someone got hurt because an ice dam detached from the gutters. Surely the gutter repairs Sydney service would be essential here.
How can I stop ice dams from forming?
The outside of your home might be severely damaged by an ice dam, and the lives of your loved ones inside are in grave danger. During this winter’s cold snap, you’re probably wondering whether there’s anything you can do to prevent ice dams. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent them from happening in the first place, and you can also take measures to help your gutters last as long as possible.
