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The age of historic homes means they’re more susceptible to a variety of weather-related issues. Ice dams — a buildup of ice that traps moisture beneath roof shingles or elsewhere in the roof system — are among the most damaging.
With more than 30 years of experience helping historic property owners identify and remove ice dams and repair ice dam damage, we know how to avoid costly roof repairs or replacements. And our team of expert restoration specialists have experience working on homes of great historical significance, preserving these once-in-a-lifetime properties for decades to come.
Here's a brief look at how ice dams form, key signs to spot them early, and why working with an experienced historic restoration contractor is key to removing ice dams and quickly addressing any damage.
Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm roof then refreezes in the eaves, trapping water that seeps under shingles and into walls or ceilings. Left unchecked, this trapped moisture can cause a range of significant interior and exterior issues, such as:
Moisture can also result in mold accumulation, which can be extremely costly to address. Additionally, the weight from thick ice ridges can crack fragile eaves or pull gutters from brackets, compromising structural integrity.
Ice dams are more common in historic homes for several reasons. First, most historic homes do not have the adequate attic insulation to handle repeated or severe freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, components like single-pane windows, attic air leaks, and aging roof tiles contribute to trapping moisture beneath roof tiles or in exterior walls.
While ice dams sound like a seasonal concern, the effects they can have on a historic property make them a year-round hazard that require vigilance. This is part of the reason why we recommend a regular property inspection to identify the beginning of ice dam damage before it turns into a much larger, more expensive problem down the road. Ice dam removal also requires a superior level of craftsmanship, and this is something that comes with exposure to a wide range of restoration projects. At Renaissance, we give our restoration specialists the opportunities to work on a variety of projects across a spectrum of historic restoration specialties.
A thorough property inspection by a reputable, experienced historic restoration contractor is the best way to identify if your historic home is in need of ice dam removal. However, there are a couple of common exterior and interior indicators to look for.
When evaluating the exterior of a historic property for ice dam formation, look for:
When evaluating the interior of your historic home for ice dam formation look for:
It’s important to take pictures of any of these indicators immediately. Not only will that help you document damage to your property, it will also help streamline and simplify any insurance claims you file in support of repair work. Working with an experienced historic restoration contractor that prioritizes craftsmanship and historic integrity is the best way to determine whether your historic home requires ice dam removal or repair work.
Ice dam removal is serious business. It is a delicate process that requires superior craftsmanship to successfully complete. A comprehensive property assessment, detailed project proposal, and experience working with insurance companies are also extremely important when choosing a contractor for ice dam removal and repair work.
Renaissance Historic Exteriors is just such a contractor. Our team of skilled technicians has the knowledge and resources to identify ice dams, evaluate related damage, and create detailed project proposals that remove ice dams and repair damage while preserving historical accuracy and structural integrity. Plus, our safety program promotes a safe working environment for our restoration specialists and the properties they restore.
With more than 30 years of experience as an internationally renowned contractor, we’re ready to bring our superior expertise and craftsmanship to restore and preserve your historic home for generations to come. Schedule your property inspection today. You can also learn more about our current career opportunities and how you can join the Renaissance team.