All About Ice Dams On Commercial Roofs

Ice dam formation on commercial roofs is not uncommon when temperatures outside drop to freezing points. Though ice dams can be attractive, they are your roof's worst enemies. Therefore, you should hire a commercial roofer to get rid of them as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more complicated the situation will get because they adversely affect your commercial roof. As a business owner, you must learn all you can about ice dams and find practical solutions for them. Here is a compilation of what you need to know. 

What Exactly Are Ice Dams?

First, you should not confuse ice dams with icicles. Ice dams are melted snow that flows to the roof but freezes once it reaches the edges. The huge block of ice then blocks rainwater from draining off. The longer you leave it there, the bigger it grows as more water continues to pool. If left unchecked, it could soon start seeping into the roofing material, ruining the deck and attic. Eventually, the leaks will spread to the ceiling and walls. Also, it is not uncommon to find ice dams on valleys and soffits. On the other hand, icicles are common on the eaves trough and are not a major cause for concern, but you should remove them to be safe. 

What Are The Effects Of Ice Dams On Commercial Roofs?

The longer you leave the block of ice on your roof, the bigger it grows which allows it to form a huge barrier preventing rainwater from draining off. The pool of water then destroys the roofing structure and the building. Soon other issues will begin to pop, including curled shingles. Also, as water seeps into the roofing material, the ceiling and wooden beams will start rotting, thus putting the whole structure at greater risk. The weight along the edges can also affect the gutters, leading to drainage issues. Finally, you have mold and mildew issues from all the dampness to worry about. You can stop all these effects if you contact a commercial roofer when ice dams begin forming.

How Can You Prevent Ice Dams From Forming?

To protect your commercial property from ice dams, ensure your roof is well insulated and ventilated. Proper insulation prevents pockets of air from getting anywhere near your roof to avoid unwanted freezing and melting. On the other hand, ventilation aids the movement of hot and cold air to regulate temperatures. 

As you can see, it is possible to protect your structure from ice dam issues. Do not hesitate to contact a commercial roofing company if you already have them on your roof.

Contact a local roofing service for more info.

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