An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof.
Icicles often form with an ice dam.
The dam prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
Ice dams can also damage gutters and loosen shingles.
What causes an ice dam?
Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall followed by sunny days or above-freezing temperatures.
Heat from the sun or indoor heat loss causes snow to melt.
There are 2 primary causes:
- Often caused by poor attic insulation or ventilation, an ice dam is formed when the warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and warms the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt.
- Ice dams can also form if the radiant heat from the sun melts the snow on your roof, despite the ambient temperature being below freezing.
Selecting a qualified ice dam mitigation company
Details & Dixon’s sets the standard for ice dam mitigation. You should expect:
- Pricing and scheduling over the phone, without an in-home sales visit.
- Professionally trained air duct cleaners who bring state-of-the-art equipment like a negative air machine and cameras.
- Satisfaction guarantees, promising to show up on time and ensure your complete satisfaction.
Companies that offer multiple services, like house cleaning, carpet cleaning, window cleaning and gutter cleaning are preferred partners in home maintenance. This consolidated approach simplifies maintenance, allows the company to take a personal interest in the overall well-being of your home, and enables you to become a priority customer. Many “one call does it all” companies also offer multiple-service discounts.
Look for third-party endorsements for house cleaning companies from Angi, Better Business Bureau, Home Advisor, and Thumbtack.