ResidentialProper Ventilation Prevents Ice Dams
Proper Roof Ventilation Will Prevent Icicles And Ice Dams From Forming On A Roof
Current building codes most always call for some level of attic ventilation to ensure that a roof system functions properly. The exchange of moist air and the cooling process not only makes a home or commercial building run in an energy efficient manner, but will also extend the life of a roof. A roof’s ventilation system will cut down on moisture build up, and also can eliminate icicles and ice dams from forming a roof.
It is important to keep attic airflow limited to the outside of the home or building and not letting that attic air blow into the living space. All of the roof vent’s opening must always be open and clear of debris and leakages.
In Portland there are several concerns regarding the attic ventilation system used. First there is a mixture of moist weather that can lead to snow and ice accumulation. The means that there will be a task of keeping the moisture out of the attic space, and secondly to prevent icicles and ice dams from forming on the roof, which can lead to leaks and other forms of roof damage.
Ventilation in the snowy climates must be handled correctly to prevent damages to the building’s eaves or edge areas. When the icicles form and remain there is a chance of damage to the roof structure and for water to enter the roof making for a serious roof leak.
Ice dams will begin to form when the attic temperature is high enough to melt the outside snow, but the temperature outside is freezing and will quickly cause the melting snow in those places to freeze up. The ice dams are large bumps or mounds under the snow that will prevent the melting snow to flow off of the roof. It the water begins to back up and pool it will only be a matter of time before the roof begins to leak in those dammed up places.
When the attic ventilation is working properly it will keep the attic space cool and will not allow warm air to collect, which is what will begin to melt snow on the roof. The best way to prevent ice damn and even icicles from forming is to lower the overall temperature of your home or commercial building attic space. Properly ventilated roof systems will function in keeping the attic cool and transferring the warm air out and bringing cool air in which will stay dry and prevent the above snow from melting.
Do not use electric cable to melt the snow, as it will only cause additional ice dams to from. Also melting the snow if salt or chemicals mixtures will destroy your roof and will also promote the formation of more ice dams. Never remove the rain gutters either when snow is present. The gutters are used to transfer the water from the building and away from the foundation. Gutters do not cause or lead to ice dams.