Winter months can bring a lot of snow, and with it, the potential for water damage caused by snow melting off your roof. To prevent this, it's important to keep gutters and water vents free of snow and icicles all winter long. Additionally, you should evaluate the insulation and ventilation of your attic to ensure that the R-value of the insulation is at least R-30 (R-38 is preferred in Nordic climates). The basic principle for preventing ice dams is to keep the roof cool, so that the snow won't melt as quickly and an ice ridge will be less likely to form.
To keep your roof cold, check the insulation between the living room and the attic to make sure it's sufficient. You should also add ventilation grilles between the insulation and the roof covering, as this will allow warm air to enter and be carried away by convection. If you were damaged by ice dams last winter, hire a professional roofing contractor to check the beams and timbers on the roof to make sure they are fit for purpose. To further prevent ice buildup on roofs and in roof valleys, increase ventilation in the attic, add insulation, and seal air leaks.
If you have a shingle roof, be careful not to push too hard when removing snow, as you don't want to damage the roof you're trying to protect. You can also check with local roofing companies to see if they have a steamboat that can melt ice on the roof without damaging the shingles. Finally, if you have any questions about your roof insurance coverage or would like to know how your home insurance protects your roof and everything under it, contact your American Family Insurance agent for more information. With these tips in mind, you can help protect your home from water damage caused by melting snow this winter.
