Melting Ice – Can It Lead to Water Damage?
Ice accumulation is one of the most common results overlooked after a heavy snowfall during the winter season. Your roof can only handle a certain amount of snowfall, after which it will start suffering and buckling under the weight of all that ice. To compound the problem, when the ice starts to melt, it can cause significant water damage to your roof.
You risk suffering structural damage and water seeping into the interiors of your home, as melting ice can leave big puddles of water. When the snow thaws and melts after a sunny or warm day in winter, the water runoff can damage the walls and woodwork of your home. The water may also leak into the walls from the roof, allowing the moisture to seep into the structure of your house.
The Weight of Snow on Your Roof
Ice and snow accumulation on your home’s roof can cause a considerable amount of burden on your roof as they can weigh a lot. On top of that, fresh snowfall will add additional weight to the already existing ice and snow packed on top of the roof. That means more stress will be placed on the home structure, and once an ice layer forms, it increases the weight of the snow.
Fresh snow on your roof can be measured in inches to measure the amount of water they carry. For example, 10 to 12 inches of fresh snow will mean about 1-inch of water, while three to five inches of packed snow carry 1-inch of water. You must protect your home from water damage during winter. Even snow accumulating around your home’s foundations can cause extensive water damage if left unattended.
The worst part is that frozen soil prevents the ground from absorbing the melting ice runoff. That results in water pooling around and seeping into your home’s structure.
The Problems Caused by Melting Ice on Your Roof
Once the snow and ice accumulated on your roof start melting, which is possible on a warm and sunny day in winter, it can cause extensive water damage. The temperature may be below freezing, but ice can still melt, and the problem with melting ice is that it can get into other areas of your home, where rainwater may not be able to go. That can cause a whole new set of problems for you, which include:
Formation of Ice Dams
When ice melts, it can create ice dams that block water from entering the gutters on your roof. You will notice icicles coming down from your roof, and even though it may look magical, it’s not a decorative item you want hanging around for long. Icicles signify that the water runoff from melting ice isn’t going into the gutters due to ice dams on the roof. If you don’t act fast, the melting ice will start finding its way into your home.
Cracks and Damage Start to Show
When melting ice and snow goes into your eaves, roof, and gutters, they can start to refreeze due to the temperature or a cold wind. That isn’t good news for your home’s structure because freezing water tends to expand, and that can result in cracks forming on your home.
Mold Growth Around the Home
One other problem you can face is significant mold growth in and around your home. When water seeps into your home from melting ice, it creates the ideal space for mold colonies to sprout up during the winter months. You don’t want any mold in your house as it can cause serious health hazards for the entire family. On top of that, melting ice prevents airflow and raises moisture levels in some parts of your house.
Steps to Keep Melting Snow and Ice Away from Your Home
The best way to prevent melting snow and ice from causing water damage to your roof or home is to remove it entirely. You don’t have to worry about a small amount of snowfall accumulating on your roof, as that is expected at this time of year in Santa Barbara. However, since the area gets regular snowfall and ice during winter, you must invest in a stronger roof for your house.
An average roof can withstand up to four feet of snow and ice accumulation or three feet of packed older snow on top of it before it starts buckling under the weight pressure. However, you don’t have to risk anything and follow these steps to keep melting snow and ice away from your home.
- Buy a roof rake to prevent excess buildup and remove snow quickly from the roof
- Maintain the correct temperature in your attic and house
- Get a roof inspection
- Discuss your options with professionals like 911 Restoration of Santa Barbara
If you think melting ice and snowfall have damaged your roof and you may have water damage, it’s best to call in professionals to remove all the snow and ice from your home’s roof.
Contact 911 Restoration of Santa Barbara for Melting Ice Removal
If you’ve been caught off guard by the heavy snowfall and ice accumulation on your roof this winter season, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Contact 911 Restoration of Santa Barbara to remove excess snow and ice from your roof and prevent further water damage to your home or roof from melting ice.
We have IICRC certified teams to handle any emergency your home or business faces in Santa Barbara. Our goal is to ensure you don’t have to worry about roof damage or water damage to your home caused by melting ice. Get in touch today!
