Ice dams can be a nightmare for homeowners and landlords. They cause water damage and destroy shingles, costing thousands of dollars to fix.
So how can you prevent ice dams and roof damage? Read this article to find out.
Roof Gutters and Ice Dams
Gutters allow surface water from the rain to run off your roof. But the surface water has no place to go when a gutter is clogged.
So what ends up happening is that water fills up, runs down the side of the house, freezes when the weather is cold, and builds up on the roof as ice dams.
You can have blocks of ice and water stuck in there. It will build up inside, even underneath the shingles.
When the heat from inside the house rises, the ice on your roof melts. This causes water damage to your unit, leading to further issues such as mold.
How to Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage
When gutters are filled with debris, they can be messy and dangerous to clean. As part of roof maintenance, property managers should clean out gutters to prevent roof damage.
We suggest cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. It’s easy to do, and perhaps you can do it yourself, but you have to ensure you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) so you don’t fall off.
But as a proactive property manager, I make sure to do this on a recurring basis and take care of the roof gutter maintenance for our landlords.
Gutters are vital in protecting your home from water damage that can crop up due to ice dams. Most homeowners find it more cost-effective to fix minor gutter-related issues than repair significant roof damage.
The better and more often you keep your gutters clean, the safer you and your home will be, especially in the winter.
The Landlord Tutor Promise
Keeping your gutters clear can help prevent ice dams and roof damage. To know more about ice dams and how to avoid them, join the Landlord Tutor community and sign up here.
