When winter comes around, it’s important to take measures to prevent the build-up of snow and water, and subsequently ice dams, on your roof. Here at RestorePro911, we understand removing ice dams and taking steps to prevent heat loss can be time consuming and even dangerous. But with just a few simple measures, your home can be free of ice dams and better insulated against the cold. Just follow our easy steps in our guide and you can look forward to a winter of warmth and comfort.
Ventilate overhangs and ridges
It’s important to keep your entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Doing this requires adding ventilation, insulation, and sealing off any air leaks that may act to warm the underside of your roof. A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof. Both ridge and soffit vents should have the same size openings and provide at least 1 square foot of opening for every 300 square feet of attic floor. Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.
Cap the Hatch
An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. To keep the heat from escaping, cover any hatches with weather stripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape. When you apply weatherstripped caps it will help keep your home warm this winter.
Exhaust to the Outside
In order to ensure your roof maintains a good temperature similar to that outside, direct all ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents through either the roof or walls. Maintaining a low roof temperature is almost impossible if your ducts exit through the soffit.
Add Insulation
The more insulation in the attic floor means the more the heat is distributed where it belongs. If you live in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area, find how much insulation your attic needs by giving RestorePro911 a call today.
Install Sealed Can Lights
Old-style recessed lights give off great plumes of heat and cannot be insulated without creating a fire hazard. Replace them with sealed “IC” fixtures, which can be safely covered with insulation.
Flash Around Chimneys
Preventing ice dams are paramount to maintaining a stable and well maintained roof. By bridging the gap between the chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing, you can ensure your home is well stocked against the winter elements. Make sure you use unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant to hold your steel in place, as using canned spray foam or insulation isn’t fire safe.
Seal and Insulate Ducts
Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts to totally ensure ice dam prevention on your property. By covering them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass, you further guard your property against ice dams.
Caulk Penetrations
Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. To ensure total airtight insulation, look for any spots of light shining up from below or any insulation that is stained black from the dirt from passing air.
We realize how serious water damage can be to your property. We hope you don’t experience an ice dam or water damage this winter but that’s why we’re here for you 24 hours a day. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 anytime or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911