Ice Dam Prevention: For NC Homeowners

Ice Dam Prevention in North Carolina

Compared to many places in the world, North Carolina has very mild winters. It might surprise you to learn, though, that even here the winter weather can damage your roof. Why? The primary reason roofs in North Carolina, even new roofs, can sustain significant damage during the winter is ice dams. Often caused by poor roof ventilation and attic insulation, ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts, runs to the edges of the roof, and then refreezes. The result is a dam of ice that prevents snow from melting and draining from the roof, and this causes moisture to stagnate on your roof for an extended period of time, eventually seeping under the shingles and damaging the roof.

Tips for Preventing Ice Dams

If you see icicles along your roofline, you already have ice dams. Don’t smash them or try to break the ice, but gently rake the snow from your roof with a non-metal tool, and clear your gutters as much as possible. Your best bet, though, is to take action before ice dams develop.

• Make sure your attic is well ventilated. Proper ventilation keeps the attic temperature consistent, so that uneven warmth doesn’t melt snow prematurely.
• Properly insulate your attic. The job of insulation is to keep warm air inside your home, and this can help prevent it from prematurely melting snow. It also helps prevent high energy costs while reducing the risk of ice dam formation.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters are bad in every season. You want water to be able to flow freely through your gutters and downspouts, so it doesn’t leak into your roof, seep into your foundation, or damage your siding. In the winter, a clogged gutter means a greater risk of ice dams.
• Trim branches away from your roof. When branches overhang your roof, they drop snow on it, and are at risk of falling on it themselves. Keeping them trimmed back will reduce the snow on your roof as well as the risk of a tree limb damaging the roof.

The Importance of Proper Roof Maintenance in Preventing Roof Leaks

No matter the season, proper maintenance is essential to keeping your roof in good shape. In addition to properly maintaining the gutters, schedule routine inspections with a reputable roofing company. Your roofing contractor can assess your roof for weaknesses and advise you on how to protect it throughout the year.

Call East Coast Renewable for All Your Roofing Needs

For roof maintenance, repair, or replacement, choose a roofing company that genuinely enjoys their work! At East Coast Renewable, we proudly provide comprehensive exterior solutions for residential and commercial customers in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas, including Asheville, Columbia, and Greenville. Our specialties include roof repair and replacement, gutter installation and repair, and siding solutions that provide both durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether you need maintenance, upgrades, or a complete overhaul, our team is here to respond quickly, explain your options, and provide quality craftsmanship and high quality service to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Because we believe in treating others as we want to be treated, we offer clear, honest communication, prioritizing accountability, respect, empathy, and integrity. We know that working with contractors can sometimes be a challenge, which is why we prioritize our customers’ trust and strive for complete transparency, providing careful documentation and clear communication, honoring the quote that was given, and making the entire process not only efficient but enjoyable for our customers. To discuss your roofing needs and schedule a service appointment, contact us for your free inspection today!