Those Icicles Could Mean Big Trouble This Winter - Image 1

Winter creates a special attic ventilation problem in areas where snowfall and cold temperatures are common occurrences.  The problem begins with the formation of ice dams which prevent melt water from running off a roof.  Ice dams can form when warm air from the home accumulates in the attic, lower areas of the roof remain cold and a heavy snow cover accumulates on the roof.  The melted snow flows down the roof until it reaches a colder spot, such as the eaves, where it refreezes, forming a back up of ice commonly called an ice dam.  A properly designed ventilation system creates a "cold roof" -- a condition where the roof temperature is equalized from top to bottom, which helps eliminate the conditions that lead to the formation of ice dams.  Roof damage occurs when the water pooling against the dam begins to back-up under shingles.  Plus, water can infiltrate into both exterior and interior walls, leading to rotted roof decks and rafters, ruined insulation, moisture inside the walls, and mold and peeling paint, which could cost a homeowner hundreds of dollars more to repair.

Not sure if your attic ventilation is adequate?  You can avoid all these problems by having the right materials and working with a professional and experienced roofing company like Precision Roofing Services to properly install a ventilation system.

Contact us today and make an appointment with one of our ventilation experts to determine if your attic ventilation needs improving or replacing.  Call (517) 393-9386 or visit www.precisionroofingmi.com.

Rotting wood in the attic indicates a leaking roof

The anatomy of an ice dam formation