Thick ice ridges at the edge of your roof this winter? Water stains on the ceiling in the wake of a heavy snowfall? You may be left to wonder if the icicles in your gutters are more of a warning than an ornament.
It is likely you have an ice dam and, as it happens, you are not the only one. For close to 20 years Seal Tight Roofing and Siding, LLC has been there for homeowners in Billings and environs to see them through the rigours of a Montana winter. Put us on the phone at (406) 672-6561 and we can discuss what you are up against.
What Exactly Is an Ice Dam?
Put simply, an ice dam is a ridge of ice at the roof line that prevents snow from melting off as it ought to. With the kind of cold and snow we get in Montana, these are all too easy to come by.
The process is straightforward: some heat makes its way into the attic and warms the roof above. Snow there will melt and run down to the eaves which are much colder, and refreeze. In time a dam of water is formed and any further melt is held behind it. From there the water is free to make its way under the shingles and into the house.
The Damage Ice Dams Can Cause
Beyond being unsightly, ice dams can be costly. Water backing up under the roofing is a recipe for trouble in a home. We put down some of the damage we encounter most often:
- Leaks and staining of walls or ceilings
- Roof rafters and decking that have rotted
- Insulation in the attic rendered useless by moisture
- Warped floors and peeling paint
- Gutters sagging or broken from the weight of the ice
- Mildew and mold in an attic that is too damp
A lot of it goes unnoticed till it is a major issue; a stain on the ceiling could mean water has been in your roof for weeks.
Why Montana Roofs Are Especially at Risk
From Bozeman and Livingston to the rest of the region, the climate in and around Billings is hard on a roof. There is plenty of deep snow and the daily cycle of a daytime thaw and an overnight freeze is a constant.
Vulnerability is higher in an older home. A good many were put up before there was any thought to proper attic insulation or venting so heat is lost to the attic with ease. Start the warm air on the snowpack and you have started the cycle.
Warning Signs to Watch For
One does not have to go out on the roof to find problems. Some red flags to look for from the ground:
- Any sizeable icicles
- A band of ice on the eaves or in the gutter
- Dripping on the exterior of the house
- Discoloration or dampness on a ceiling
- Gutters coming away from the house
Should you see such things, let a professional have a look at it to forestall any further damage.
Reducing Your Risk
Prevention is possible and for the most part it is a matter of confining the warm air to the living quarters and leaving the roof cold.
We would recommend:
- Better insulation in the attic to shield the roof deck
- Upgraded venting to allow for circulation of cold air
- Closing off any gaps for warm air to enter the attic
- Clearing the gutters for drainage
- An inspection of the roof to identify weak spots
We do a lot of work with attic venting because adequate airflow is important in a Montana winter. An inspection will also turn up things you might miss.
Call in the Pros
Do not put it off if you think water has got in or ice dams are in evidence. The sitting water will take its toll on the interior, the insulation and the roof. At Seal Tight Roofing and Siding, LLC we are available round the clock for an emergency.
Serving Hardin, Shepard, Laurel, Lockwood, Roundup, Livingston, Bozeman and Billings, we are an A+ rated company with the Better Business Bureau. For a repair, an inspection or some help with the gutters and venting, we are at your service. Give us a ring at (406) 672-6561 for a no cost estimate before the next big snow comes in.
