Are you well prepared to deal with flat roof ice dams? Ice dams are those pesky, unsightly ridges of ice that form mostly on roof edges, especially after a heavy snowstorm. If anything, the presence of ice dams should worry any flat roof owner because they can easily lead to extensive damage. This is why it’s vital to understand everything there is to them before installing any kind of flat or low-sloped roof. You don’t want to end up with a big pocket hole as a result of unforeseen repair expenses.
How to prevent ice dams from forming on your flat roof
The best way to prevent ice dams or the damages associated with them is to winterize your flat roof. This way, you’ll not only reduce the risk of ice dams but also other major problems (collapsed roof, burst pipes, etc.) that occur as a result of heavy cold and snow. Here are several tips for appropriately winterizing your flat roof?
1. Reinforce the roof
One of the ways to prevent ice dams is to ensure that the entire roof and the eaves feature a similar temperature level. You can do this by properly insulating the roof with rigid foam insulation. This material will help to control the building’s interior temperature in addition to increasing its energy efficiency levels. What’s more, the rigid foam insulation is highly resistant to moisture, meaning that your building will have adequate protection against things like mildew and moss.
2. Improve your roof’s ventilation
Other than insulation, ventilating your roof can also help to control its temperature. It will ensure that your eaves and roof remain cold so that the melting of ice doesn’t occur. You can easily improve your flat roof’s ventilation by installing electric power vents. Note that as much as this measure is highly effective, it can increase the risk of leaks within your roofing system. That’s because ice, rain, and wind can easily get through the vents. As such, ensure to get a ventilation system that fits your roof design just right. Read more- https://coverallroofing.ca/flat-roofing-toronto/ice-dams-on-flat-roofs-the-cold-facts/