{"id":19009,"date":"2023-02-27T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lafayette-in-puroclean-lafayette\/?post_type=blog&p=19009"},"modified":"2023-02-27T16:05:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:05:00","slug":"did-you-know-part-4a","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lafayette-in-puroclean-lafayette\/blog\/did-you-know-part-4a\/","title":{"rendered":"DID YOU KNOW? – Part 4a"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did You Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First\u2026 What is an ice dam? <\/strong> An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the eave of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Effects of an ice dam?  <\/strong>Aside from causing damage to the exterior of your home (gutters, shingles, siding) moisture entering the home from an ice dam is sneaky.  You may not even realize it\u2019s happening and this can lead to the growth of mold and mildew causing respiratory problems.  Moisture can also get caught in the attic creating soggy insulation that can become heavy causing stained and sagging ceilings and peeling paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I prevent an ice dam?<\/strong> Let\u2019s start with your gutters. Removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downspouts PRIOR to the first snow fall, helps prevent ice dams during freezing temperatures.  It\u2019s also important to ensure that your gutters and downspouts aren\u2019t worn or damaged. While you\u2019re checking the downspouts, make sure they divert water at least three to five feet away from the foundation. Add extensions to downspouts otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve previously had ice dams on your roof then your attic is not properly insulated and ventilated. Your attic, including the pipes, vents, light fixtures, and chimney systems must be insulated to prevent heat transfer to the attic. Besides providing insulation and sealing gaps, make sure your attic has enough ventilation to allow cold air into the attic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get rid of an ice dam.  <\/strong>Chopping away at ice dams with a hammer or shovel is bad for your roofing, not to mention it\u2019s also incredibly dangerous!  Short of praying for warmer weather here are a couple of quick tips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n