When thick ice dams develop along the eaves of roofs, they prevent snow melt from draining off the roof and can lead to severe water leaks (University of Minnesota, 2019). This article examines the causes of ice dams and covers prevention techniques.

If a home has poor attic insulation and cold outdoor temperatures, then the temperature differences between the roof deck and the attic can create ice dams. As warm air from conditioned living spaces seeps into the attic, it heats the roof and melts snow that is already there. Apex Insulation Solutions is fine when it is happening on the sunny parts of the roof but as soon as the melted snow reaches the soffit and eave areas, it will re-freeze because these areas are much colder.

Preventing Ice Dams with Proper Attic Insulation

The refreezing of the melted snow creates an ice dam that eventually blocks the drainage of the roof. This can allow water to back up under the shingles leading to a ceiling leak and moisture problems throughout the house.

The most important factor in preventing ice dams is proper attic insulation and air sealing. This means ensuring the attic is insulated to the recommended R-value for your area of the country and that there are no holes into the attic from things like wiring, junction boxes, recessed lights or the attic hatch. The other key is good air sealing around the ducts in the attic and ensuring that there is no air leakage from the conditioned living space into the attic. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the preferred method of insulating an attic with an unvented roof since it is moisture resistant. This type of insulation is not a DIY project and requires proper licensing, permits and experience to ensure the installation is done properly without causing leaks into the living space.

Apex Insulation Solutions
Fort Worth, TX 76118
(214) 354-5911
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Improve Attic Airflow and Insulation

In addition to preventing heat loss, properly insulated and ventilated attics can protect the roof from damage, improve shingle longevity, reduce energy costs and increase home comfort. Poor attic ventilation, leaky ducts, lack of insulation, and improper rafter venting are common problems that can cause serious problems such as ice damming and mold growth. Simple inspections and targeted upgrades can help.

Proper Insulation Contractor insulation and ventilation keep heat out in summer, allowing natural air flow through the attic to cool it down, protecting the roof and lowering cooling bills. It also helps prevent moisture accumulation that can affect shingles, plywood sheathing and siding. It’s important to use the right type of insulation for your climate, including the proper R-Value for your home.

Ensure soffit vents are unblocked, and consider adding ridge vents. They work in conjunction with intake vents to create a balanced ventilation system, regulating attic temperature and extending shingle life.

Insulate the attic floor to the eaves, using rafter vent baffles (or insulation baffles) to direct the natural air flow, and install the correct amount of insulation as recommended by the manufacturers of your roofing materials, or based on the energy evaluation performed on your house.

Always wear personal protective equipment when working in an attic, and consider enlisting the help of a professional for complex projects or issues. It is also wise to work in cooler parts of the day, and to do a full attic sweep to look for insulation penetrations (lights, plumbing stacks, electrical boxes, hvac ducting) and to check for signs of pest infestations, such as droppings and soiled insulation.

Joe Blow’s Insulation
29712 US Hwy 19 N Unit 409 Clearwater, FL 33761
727-454-0172
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Prevent Septic Problems Before Emergency

Septic system emergencies are more than just a major hassle; they’re a health and safety risk. They’re also very expensive to resolve. That’s why it’s important to be proactive with septic tank inspections, maintenance, and pumping services.

When wastewater Septic Tank Cleaning your home, it travels to the septic tank for preliminary treatment. Within the tank, bacteria eat away at solid waste, changing it to liquid and gas. The partially treated effluent then drains into the septic tank’s drain field, where it’s absorbed into soil. Foul odors, slow drainage, and water pooling around the drain field are all warning signs of a septic system problem.

Reliable Residential Septic Solutions for a Healthy Home

If you ignore these signs, a clog or overflow can lead to raw sewage backups throughout your home and property. The best way to avoid this is with regular septic tank service, so keep an eye out for slow drains and other septic system issues.

Some things are out of your control, like the location of your septic system and wildfire zones. But there are many other factors you can take action on to reduce your risk. For example, store key documents like septic system inspection reports and maintenance logs in a waterproof folder. And don’t flush anything that could potentially cause a clog – like wet wipes, sanitary napkins, condoms, and cigarette butts. Instead, save your money and use environmentally-friendly cleaning products that are safe for the septic tank. Also, regularly test your well water to ensure there are no dangerous nitrate levels in it.

Miller’s Septic Tank Cleaning
Columbus, OH
330-521-3599
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