Weigh Down & Pull-Off Gutters: With the record-breaking snowfall we are receiving throughout Iowa, your home’s gutters are feeling the weight of ice, snow, and water. The pressure caused by this freezing and melting process can cause sections of your gutters to collapse or pull off of your home. Frozen water can cause damage to the gutter itself, so the gutter effectively directing water away from your home becomes even more important. This could quickly become a foundation issue by the thaw of spring.

Leaks & Structural Damage: When ice dams form, snowmelt has nowhere to escape. Water can penetrate under the shingle, and work its way into your roof deck. Once the leak makes it inside the attic, it can be the start of big issues for your home’s interior. Leaks from your ceiling can be a sign that you need an attic and roof inspection. If your attic insulation has become wet, it cannot do its job. Acting like a wet blanket above your head, spreading leaks throughout the attic.

Mold: Learning from the past two issues of moisture in your home’s interior, we see the start of the problems unwanted water can cause. Water and humidity causes structural wood beams to rot and drywall to crumble. All of these items becoming damp is a breeding ground for mold. Mold growth happens in temperatures from 5 degrees to 38 degrees. When your home’s heat escapes to the attic, a literal trickle-down effect takes place. Respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies are often caused by mold growth. Empathizing the importance of getting ice dams and heavy snow off of the first protective barrier your home has to the elements, your roof.

Roof Collapse: Older homes & roofs are more prone to ice dams and water damage because the techniques for installing insulation have changed. Although more high-end homes are more likely to use recessed or can lights, that can result in improper insulation contributing to this problem. The age of your home & absence of maintenance can also increase the chances that your roof can collapse altogether under the weight of accumulated ice and snow.

Water in Your Basement: We are hoping you see a reoccurring theme with what an ice dam can do to your home. These problems start from the top of your home and work their way to your basement and foundation. Water in your basement can be a result of snow melting and ice dams. We highly recommend you don’t pile snow near your home, it will melt, the water will pool, and it will seep into your foundation. Also, keep your gutters as clear as possible as well as your downspouts directing water at least 5 feet away from your home.