Although it’s extremely important to keep your gutters clear of debris throughout the entire year, it can be especially challenging during the winter months when Mother Nature strikes the hardest. Clogged gutters can easily trap water that will inevitably freeze, leaving you with a potential hazard sometimes referred to as an ice dam.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam often occurs along the edge of your roofline or in your gutters depending on the orientation, style, and pitch of your roof. The culprit is often melting snow that refreezes, clogging your gutters and preventing water from draining properly. When this happens, water can easily get backed up, causing havoc with your shingles and eventually leaking into your business.
How to Recognize an Ice Dam
One of the best ways to check for an ice dam is to take a close look at the ceilings of your exterior walls and attic. If you notice moisture or water stains, there’s a good possibility you may have an ice dam.
Inspect any icicle formations you may have around your business’s exterior to discover whether they are trapping any water. Icicles can often lead to additional problems blockage problems and potential dangers for those walking below.
Prevention Tips
- Be sure to clean your gutters regularly, even during the winter months whenever it’s possible.
- On mild winter days, inspect your gutters and the areas around your business for any signs that an ice dam may be forming.
- Safely remove icicle formations and remember … never stand directly underneath an icicle when inspecting your gutters, cleaning, or performing icicle removal.
Lastly, one of the best ice dam prevention strategies is to hire a professional to handle your routine gutter cleanings to ensure you always have a clean gutter system. For more information on our professional gutter cleaning services, contact an Action Plumbing representative.