Why Those Icicles Aren’t as Pretty as You’d Think

From gentle snowfall to skating over frozen lakes, winter can bring many beautiful things. While it’s easy to think that icicles may be a part of that list, most roofers in Bedford will assure you they’re not. Depending on their size and scale, icicles may indicate a much more sinister problem in spite of their pretty appearance. Here’s why you should spend less time marveling at icicles and more time identifying their cause.
Icicles May Signify Ice Dams
Ice dams are some of the number one causes of damage on Bedford roofing. These literal dams form when snowmelt and precipitation has nowhere to go, causing it all to freeze in your gutters. Not only does this create unnecessary weight on your roof, it prevents water from draining as it should.
Where all That Water Is Going
All of that drainage has to go somewhere, however, even when gutters are clogged with debris or ice. Water has three primary options when gutters and downspouts aren’t available. The first is your roof, where water can collect and lead to mold and rot among other problems. The next is your siding, which is equally vulnerable to sustained water damage. Finally, if that snowmelt can make it off of your roof, it will drip right on down to your foundation.
No, Your Thermostat Isn’t Lying
Do you want to know a secret shared by most roofing contractors in Bedford? Those icicles and dams could be cooling your entire home and preventing your heater from working efficiently. If you notice it seems chilly in your house even when the heat is working, look no further than those icicles outside your window as the culprits. Ice dams trap cold air inside our roofs, which ultimately works its way down into the home.
The next time you see a sudden patch of icicles, call your local roofing contractor to send them packing.