For the first time, the Minnesota Department of Commerce created a very unique energy efficiency exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. This exhibit was the size of your average home and gave fairgoers the opportunity to take a look at what energy efficiency is like. Also emphasized within the exhibit were solutions to the nagging issue of ice dams that form on the roofs of homes and businesses during the winter.

Winter will be here before we know it and that means homes need to be winterized. Roofs need inspected, windows need replaced if they are too drafty, gutters need to be cleaned and broken systems replaced, and much more.

Ice dam prevention becomes a priority for many homeowners because of the damage an ice dam can do.

If melting snow runs to the edge of the roof and then freezes before it is able to run off, a dam forms. This melting and refreezing process occurs again and again until there is a major problem. Snow and ice cannot leave the roof. Water can become trapped behind this dam and it’s going to leave the first way it can find, which may be a crack in the roof. This can cause leakage into the walls of the home and a variety of other issues.

Some of the solutions highlighted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, outside of removing snow from a roof, included ensuring the home’s ceiling is sealed completely. This means making sure no warm air is making its way to the roof to cause premature snow melt. Even a simple increase in roof insulation can also keep heat in, which reduces energy costs.

If a dam forms, a channel can be created for water to drain until the ice dam can be removed. This prevents the roof from having to bear more weight than what it should and reduces the changes of a leak.

Also present at the fair was the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Eco Experience. While there was a focus on doing small tasks to improve the environment, such as riding a bicycle and utilizing farmers markets throughout the state, energy solutions were presented. Fairgoers learned about ways they can improve the performance of their homes, such as replacing drafty windows and making use of what is already available, as well as integrating something new.

Fairgoers walked away from the 2012 Minnesota State Fair knowing much more about how to save money and the environment through these two very informative exhibits.

Glacier Companies is experienced in the removal of ice dams on homes all around the Minneapolis area. While some individuals may find that they are not subject to ice dams, they are sometimes surprised to find that they have one. It is true that a home may experience an ice dam one year and not the next and continue such a cycle until preventative measures are taken so that they can be avoided in the first place.

One of the ways to prevent ice dams is by shoveling the snow from the roof, but this must be done with a special shovel and a professional touch to avoid damage to the roof. This is something that we are able to do for you.

Contact Us For A Free Estimate

Through a free estimate, we will tell you the cost of ice dam removal, how to prevent future ice dams, and we can discuss snow removal. If you must make an insurance claim, we can provide you with the guidance you need in that area as well. All you have to do is give us a call at 612-202-2930. It doesn’t matter if you live in the Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Edina area, or anywhere else in the Twin Cities area, we will be there to provide you with your free estimate when it is convenient for you. Just know that the sooner an ice dam is addressed, the better so that you can avoid extensive damage to your home.