Here in Needham, we get our fair share of ice and snow. While the winter landscapes are beautiful, this weather can take a toll on your home. Ice dams, in particular, put your home at risk of serious structural damage.
The good news is that there are things you can do before ice dams form to help prevent the damage they cause. Continue reading to learn the most important steps to take to prevent damage from ice dams to your home this winter.
Make Sure Your Roof Is in Good Shape
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof, rolls down, and then refreezes at the edge by your gutters. When the snow initially melts, it can seep through weak parts of your roof. Eventually, that water will make its way into your insulation, ceilings, and walls. If left alone, this water damage can weaken your walls and ceiling, leading to serious structural damage.
You can prevent this by having your roof inspected before the next big winter storm hits. If your roofer notices any vulnerable spots, they can repair them now so that when snow starts to melt, it won’t soak through the roof.
Inspect Your Gutters
Your gutters are also at risk of damage when ice dams form. In some cases, the ice dams become so heavy that they’ll pull your gutters away from the side of your home, making it easier for water to damage your exterior walls. In the worst cases, your gutters may completely fall off your home, meaning you’ll need to install new ones.
Before the worst of winter hits, it’s worth it to inspect your gutters, looking for leaks, cracks, and clogs. When you hire the GF Sprague team for your inspection, we’ll be able to identify any vulnerabilities in your gutters that could be made worse by ice dams. We can even install a gutter cover system to keep ice and other debris out of your gutters all year long!
Stay Alert Throughout Winter
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to prevent damage from ice dams this winter is to stay alert and pay attention to your home. After a big winter storm, keep an eye on your interior. Take the time to look for water spots and other signs of water damage on your ceilings and walls so you can remedy it before it gets more serious.
You’ll also want to take a look around your home’s exterior. After a major storm clears, take a look at your gutters. While they might have been ok before the storm, they could start to show signs of weakness after it. At the first sign of water, roof, or gutter damage, contact the GF Sprague team so we can put a remediation plan in place before more serious damage occurs.
Prevent Damage From Ice Dams With the Help of Our Team
As your local exterior renovation experts, the GF Sprague team is uniquely qualified to help you prevent damage from ice dams. Throughout the winter, don’t hesitate to contact our team to inspect or repair your home. It could make all the difference in preventing structural damage.
Being proactive is key. Set up a free inspection today to make sure your home is prepared for the worst of winter.
