Click to Call
Get Directions
In Maryland, winter weather can significantly damage your home, particularly by forming ice dams on your roof. These ice dams can harm roofing materials like asphalt shingles and ceramic tiles, and the weight of the ice can even cause a roof to collapse. At Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, serving Laurel, MD, we want to help you avoid such incidents. Here are some tips on protecting your roof from ice dams.
Ensure Proper Insulation
Begin by ensuring your attic is well-insulated. Effective insulation keeps heat inside your home, preventing the snow on your roof from melting. This is vital because melted snow that refreezes can form ice dams, which can damage your roof.
Maintain Effective Ventilation
Ensure your attic has proper ventilation. Cold air needs to circulate through the attic to keep the roof cool, which helps prevent ice dams from forming. Check that your attic has sufficient vents and that they are not obstructed.
Regular Gutter Maintenance
Keep your gutters clean and free of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, contributing to ice dam formation. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that water can flow off your roof without any blockages.
Use a Roof Rake
After heavy snowfall, use a roof rake to remove excess snow from your roof. This tool allows you to pull snow off the roof while standing safely on the ground. Removing snow reduces the amount of meltwater that can refreeze into ice dams.
Having the right home insurance in place is crucial in case a problem does occur. Here at Mid Atlantic Insurance Financial, serving Laurel, MD, we can help. Call now to learn more.