Frozen water typically accumulates in the gutter system or around the chimney. When this happens, an ice dam could potentially occur and eventually cause harm to your roofing and home interior. Furthermore, it could also mean trouble for your chimney.
Batts’ Chimney Services, a reputable chimney cleaning expert, discusses how ice dams can affect your chimney. We also share some tips on how to effectively deal with ice dams.
Why Ice Dams Are a Hazard to Your Chimney
When an ice dam forms around your chimney, remember that snow could potentially melt once the temperature rises. The frozen water against your chimney can then seep through the masonry system and cause a leak in the chimney. When moisture successfully infiltrates the masonry, it could become frozen again and then melt again due to the natural freezing and thawing cycles in the winter. Take note that the masonry also moves as the ice in the masonry expands and contracts. This could eventually lead to the material’s deterioration.
Ice dams can also be damaging particularly to the chimney flashing. The ice dam in the flashing can cause the metal to pull away from the chimney, causing cracks in the material that could easily result in a leak.
What You Can Do About Ice Dams
To protect your chimney from the harmful effects of ice dams, one of the first things that you need to do is call up a chimney sweep and repair professional. They have the knowledge and expertise to evaluate and address the issue, ensuring an effective and long-term solution.
Never attempt to get rid of the ice dams or repair your chimney on your own. Keep in mind that climbing an icy roof can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the proper tools and skills to perform the job correctly.
Apart from carrying out the proper repair of your chimney, experts could also make sure your chimney is well-insulated and your flashing updated.
Batts’ Chimney Services has been in the industry since 1978, providing excellent chimney services to local homeowners. Our expertise covers chimney repair, inspection, cleaning and more. Call us at (205) 956-8207 (Jefferson County) or (256) 660-1338 (Northeast Alabama). You can also fill out our contact form to request a quote.
