Winter’s Hidden Threat: How Ice Dams Can Turn Your Bensalem Home Into a Mold Haven
As winter settles over Bensalem, PA, homeowners face a silent but potentially devastating threat that combines the destructive power of ice dams with the health hazards of mold growth. Understanding this dangerous duo and knowing how to combat it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your family’s health.
Understanding Ice Dams: The Root of Winter Water Damage
An ice dam is a buildup of ice at the edge of a sloped roof. They’re created as snow melts, then refreezes at the eaves, keeping melting snow from draining off the roof. Ice dams happen due to non-uniform roof temperatures. Heat loss from a house, snow cover and outside temperatures interact to form ice dams. For ice dams to form there must be snow on the roof and, at the same time, higher portions of the roof’s outside surface must be above 32 degrees F (freezing) while lower surfaces are below 32F.
As water backs up on the roof, it can slip through cracks and openings, get under shingles, and make its way into your home. As this water builds up on the roof with nowhere to go, it can leak into the interior of your property, damaging walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, and more.
The Dangerous Connection: Ice Dams and Mold Growth
Moisture entering the home from ice dams can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause respiratory problems. Prevent the growth of mold and mildew by immediately drying out portions of the house that are wet or damp. Dampness can cause mold growth within 24-48 hours, and mold can wreak havoc with your health, causing asthma, headaches, fatigue and more.
The key problem caused by ice dams is the water and moisture that leaks into the home. Mold thrives on moisture and grows because it feeds on the materials that most homes are made of: wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, ceiling tiles, etc. Water damage and excess moisture on the home’s interior is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if the water damage goes unnoticed for a time. This can be a major health hazard, especially if residents have mold allergies and sensitivities. Mold remediation costs can easily hit several thousand dollars.
Prevention Strategies for Bensalem Homeowners
The most effective approach to preventing ice dam-related mold problems involves addressing the root causes before they occur:
Immediate Winter Maintenance
- During winter, make sure gutters and downspouts are regularly cleared of snow, and safely remove icicles when you see them. Remove debris, such as sticks and leaves, from gutters and downspouts (to help provide passage to melting roof snow).
- If possible, keep the amount of snow on your roof to a minimum, to help prevent ice dam formation. Consider investing in “roof rakes,” long-handled devices that let you stand on the ground and pull snow off the roof.
- To help prevent ice dams from forming, it’s important to remove snow from your roof after each storm. Use a roof rake to clear snow from the first three to four feet of your roof, where ice dam formation is most likely to occur.
Long-Term Solutions
- Go into your attic to evaluate ventilation and insulation. Good insulation helps prevent heat loss inside the property, and properly venting air in the attic helps it remain cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.
- The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure your home’s attic space is properly insulated and ventilated. Attic insulation helps to keep warm air from escaping into the attic, which can prevent the uneven snow melt that leads to ice dam formation. Proper ventilation allows cold air to circulate through the attic, keeping the roof surface cold and preventing melting snow from refreezing at the roof’s edges.
- First, make the ceiling air tight so no warm, moist air can flow from the house into the attic space. After sealing air leakage paths between the house and attic space, consider increasing the ceiling or roof insulation to cut down on heat loss by conduction.
When Ice Dam Damage Occurs: Immediate Action Steps
If you discover water intrusion from ice dams, time is critical. Act quickly and don’t panic. Report the problem to your insurance company, but don’t wait for their response. You’ll need to take these steps right away: Take pictures or video of the damage, and start to remove the water immediately. Don’t wait for your insurance company to get back to you, because waiting — even for a few hours — could mean more water and mold growth; Wet/dry vacuum, mop, or pump water out of the affected area as quickly as possible.
Prevent the growth of mold and mildew by immediately drying out portions of the house that are wet or damp. Take immediate action to get rid of the water source, clean the home environment and maintain its air quality.
Professional Mold Remediation: When to Call the Experts
It happens all too often: people do cosmetic repairs without making sure the area is completely dry and checking for mold growth. Then, when the weather warms up, they discover they have a full-blown mold infestation. That’s why when there’s water damage, it’s important to test for mold.
For Bensalem homeowners facing ice dam-related water damage and potential mold issues, professional Mold Remediation in Bensalem, PA services are essential. We don’t just remove mold; we find the source and fix it to prevent it from coming back. We keep you informed every step of the way, from inspection to remediation.
Mack’s Mold Removal & Inspections is a leading company in the field, specializing in high-quality mold removal and inspections. With years of experience and a team of trained professionals, we are committed to supplying exceptional services and ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients. Choose Mack’s Mold Removal & Inspections for your mold removal and inspection needs in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Berks County, and the Lehigh Valley area, and rest assured knowing that you are in capable hands.
The Benefits of Professional Intervention
Working with experienced professionals provides numerous advantages:
- Improve your indoor air quality and breathe easier. Reduce allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. Create a safer environment for your family, especially children.
- Protect your property value and avoid costly repairs. Enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling home. Have confidence that your mold problem is completely resolved.
- Free Inspections: Get a thorough assessment of your mold problem at no cost. Upfront Pricing: We provide clear, detailed estimates before any work begins. Insurance Assistance: We work with your insurance company to simplify the claims process.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Bensalem Home
Ice dams are a known winter challenge, but their potential to trigger mold growth shouldn’t be overlooked. By staying proactive and partnering with restoration experts, property professionals can protect their buildings, tenants, and bottom line. For Bensalem homeowners, the combination of preventive measures, quick response to water damage, and professional mold remediation services creates the best defense against winter’s hidden threats.
Don’t let ice dams compromise your family’s health and your home’s value. Based in the greater Bensalem area, ServiceMaster TEAM understands what it takes to help local homeowners overcome winter damage. With proper prevention, immediate action when problems arise, and professional support when needed, you can keep your home safe and mold-free throughout the winter season.