b'Best PracticesPreventing Dangerous Ice DamsT he conditions that allow ice dams to form occur every winter, and to prevent damage from recurring homeowners must be proactive. When temperatures drop into single digits, big and sparkly icicles may form on the edge of a roof. They sure look pretty, but are actually a warning sign of improper roof insulation and/or roof ventilation, along with possibly air leaks in the attic.When heat rises into a homes attic, most of the roof is warmed. However, that warmth doesnt make it to the eaves. As snow on the roof melts, the water freezes on those cold eaves and creates an ice dam. Because the melted water cant drain into the gutter, it backs up under the shingles and will eventually enter the house. The resulting damage can be extensive and quite costly to repair.Protect The Deck A Roof Must Breathe and chimney chases. If these points Underlayment, the unseenSome homeowners try to preventare not adequately sealed, warm component of a roof system, goesice dam formation by installingmoist air will travel from lower levels over the roof deck and under theelectric radiant heat systems in theirto the attic that could cause severe roof covering material. It provideshomes roof gutters. This can work,damage as it condenses.protection needed to maintain thebut the initial price of the system andHire A Professional integrity of a roof and installing cheapthe added monthly energy costsThe first step in the fight against ice underlayment could lead to rooftend to make that method quitedams is to contact a professional failure in the future. For the long run itan expensive choice. A properlyroofing contractor, preferably before will be much less expensive to installinsulated and ventilated roof is thethe snow begins. Your contractor a new roof with an underlayment thatmost practical way to prevent iceshould perform an inspection to will prevent ice dams. dams. see if the roofs ventilation system There are three primary forms ofA proper ventilation system extendsis functioning, as it should. That underlayment; asphalt-saturated felt,the life of a roof because it minimizesinspection should also examine rubberized asphalt, and synthetic.the temperature differential betweenthe condition of the roof covering While all are capable products,the attic and the outside air. Anand underlayment to see if these synthetic underlayment has becomeinefficient roof ventilation system cancomponents are in the condition a more popular choice. This productraise energy costs, damage roofneeded to prevent ice dam provides excellent protection insystem components, and cause iceformation.problem roof areas where water candams to form. An effective ventilationBefore the cold winter months arrive, collect or drainage is slow. Moresystem will control attic moisture inhire a roofing contractor qualified importantly it meets the ASTM D1970cold months and exhaust hot air inin detailed roof inspections. This standard for ice dam preventivethe summer. Efficient eave vents arewill give you the time to have your underlayment. engineered to keep the entire roofroof prepared to battle ice dam Another effective ice damsystem balanced and promote theformations. prevention product is roofcorrect flow of air. This greatly helps toArticleprovidedbyBuildingEnclosure. underlayment that has a modifiedprevent ice dams. Building Enclsure covers the best architecture self-adhesive membrane. This typeThere are also interior conditionspractices for the building envelope in the of roofing underlayment providesthat can disrupt attic insulation andcommercialandresidentialbuilding& a secondary layer of waterproofingventilation. Any and all openingsconstructionindustry.Alsocoveringthe latestbuildingcodesanddetails,Building protection that helps preventleading to the attic floor must beEnclosurestrivestoprovidethecrucial damage caused by ice dams andsealed. That includes ceiling lightinformationyouneedforyourbusinesswind-blown rain. fixtures, attic access doors, electricalwhen, how and where you want it.wiring, plumbing pipes, exhaust fans, www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 33'