Why Do I Get Ice Dams in Winter After a New Roof Installation on Long Island?
A new roof can develop ice dams if the attic is unevenly vented or lacks insulation. A new roof addresses the shingles and underlayment, but dams are caused by the movement of warm air. If you noticed ice dams over the winter, now is the best time to talk to an experienced Long Island roofing contractor for a detailed inspection.
3 Common Causes of Ice Dams on a Roof
Ice dams usually form when warm air in the attic melts snow on the rooftop. Melted snow then freezes on the edge of the roof, causing ice and meltwater to build up.
If you’ve seen ice dams on your roof, the underlying cause could be:
- Heat exposure from poor insulation. If your attic floor or rafters aren’t insulated, heat from your home will travel upwards and melt snow on the rooftop.
- Poor ventilation in the roof can cause warm and cool spots. Snow will melt unevenly, causing dams.
- Air leaks around attic penetrations like recessed lights and plumbing stacks. When penetrations are improperly sealed, they act like chimneys, sucking the low-pressure warm air into the cool attic space (known as the “stack” effect).
Most homeowners assume that ice dams are caused by the roof itself. In reality, they’re a symptom of problems inside your home. A licensed roofer on Long Island can still help. A detailed inspection in the spring is recommended to check for shingle or deck damage.
Can a Long Island Roofing Contractor Prevent Ice Dams?
A Long Island roofing contractor can help to prevent ice dams by ensuring that your attic has adequate ventilation. However, if the problem is related to insulation or air leaks, you will need an insulation specialist or home improvement contractor to pinpoint the problems and offer solutions.
Inspecting Your Roof for Water Damage After Winter
A comprehensive roofing inspection is the most valuable service that a licensed roofer provides in the spring. While the ice might be gone, the structural stress caused by winter dams can leave damage that isn’t visible from the ground.
A roofing contractor will check:
- Shingle Integrity and Signs of Pry Damage: Ice can expand underneath shingles, physically lifting them and breaking their adhesive seals. A local roofer will inspect the system for any shingles that are cracked or tabbed up.
- Underlayment Condition: Winter ice dams force water to pool and move up the rooftop. Shingles are designed to stop water as it flows with gravity. When it comes up, it can get underneath shingles and saturate the underlayment. A professional will check for signs that the waterproof underlayment has been compromised.
- Gutter and Fascia Stress: The weight of an ice dam can put hundreds of pounds of stress on the edge of the roof. This can pull gutters away from the main structure. A licensed roofing contractor can check for bent hangers, sagging troughs, and decay in the fascia boards.
- Soffit and Eave Ventilation: Moisture from meltwater often collects in soffit vents. If these are water-damaged or blocked, your attic won’t ventilate properly in the summer. This can lead to higher cooling costs, shingle damage, and mold growth.
Any damage discovered during the inspection can be repaired by your roofing contractor, ensuring that your home is protected for the months and years ahead.
Pro Tip: It’s essential that you also talk to an insulation or home improvement specialist in addition to a Long Island roofing contractor. Repairing damage caused by ice dams will not address the underlying problem. By correcting any insulation issues or air leaks, you can ensure that your roof is protected from ice dams in the future.
Book a Roof Inspection with Renew Roofing Solutions on Long Island
The 5-star team at Renew Roofing Solutions is ready to provide accurate roof inspections. Our thorough safety and performance inspections help to protect your home and give you peace of mind. If your roof needs work, our team can take care of repairs or even total roof replacements with high-quality Owens Corning® roofing shingles.
Call for a Long Island roof inspection at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702. Renew Roofing Solutions serves all of Suffolk and Nassau Counties.