The winter storm in the forecast for this week is expected to start with a layer of ice, followed by a significant snowfall.
When you have a layer of ice under snow, there is a potential for ice jams to form. Ice jams occur when snow is in a pattern of melting and refreezing. Snow that melts during the day will refreeze at night if the temperatures drop back below freezing, and this can cause water and ice to collect under shingles on the roof. As the ice melts again, it can lead to water leaking in your house.
According to the team at Prairie Construction, heat can escape into your attic is your home has inadequate insulation. The roof deck warms as the heat reaches the attic, causing snow the roof to melt. If there is a pattern of melting and refreezing, a layer ice will form under the snow on the surface of your roof which can potentially damage the roof and cause water to leak into your home.
It may be hard to detect ice jams on your roof, especially if they are hidden under a layer of snow. Icicles hanging from your roof can be a sign because they indicate a pattern of melting and refreezing. Signs of water leaking in your home may be a sign, but this so undetected if your attic is not finished or easily accessible.
If you own a roof rake, and can safely reach your roof from the ground, it may help if remove the snow you can reach. It is not safe to climb on your roof when it is covered in ice and snow, and you may cause more damage to your roof by trying to remove ice or snow.
The team at Prairie Construction recommends that you watch for signs of ice jams but leave it alone for now. If you notice water damage in your home or office, don’t try to fix it yourself, call a professional!
For now, stay safe and warm and wait for the ice and snow to melt.