Left alone, ice dams can cause considerable home damage.
Problems With Ice Dams
What Causes Ice Dams?
As the ice accumulates, it forms a blockage that prevents additional snowmelt from flowing off the roof.
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Ice dams usually start or worsen after heavy snow because of snow’s insulating properties.
The snow layer traps warm air beneath the snow, which causes it to melt.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
Preventing ice dams is a matter of simple thermal physics.
This diagram by Owens Corning shows how an ice dam forms and how leakage may occur in your home.Owens-Corning
Prevent ice dams by performing a combination of methods.
Preventing Ice Dams With Ventilation
Houses with good attic androof ventilationgenerally do not experience ice dams.
Look at roof venting systems as a way to keep your roof cool in winter.
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If you have an open attic, this means insulating the attic’s floor.
Sealing air channels from the living space below the attic is as important as the insulation.
A comprehensive insulation plan prevents ice dams and reduces energy costs.
Absolutely Clean Window Washing
However, insulation alone is rarely enough to prevent all ice dams; combine it with improved ventilation.
Replace old fixtures with fully insulated modern recessed lights to reduce heat radiating into your attic.
These heat sources should be wrapped in fiberglass insulation to reduce heat transfer into the attic space.
Heat cable may appear unattractive on a roof but prevents ice dams when appropriately installed.
Instead of freezing, the meltwater flows to the ground.
Warning
Beware when using heat cables since water mixed with electricity has its risks.
Closely follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Check and maintain the heating cable regularly to ensure that it remains safe.
This method will likely damage shingles.
Many insurance companies will pay for some or all of the damage resulting from ice dams.
Remove ice dams when possible to prevent damage to your roof and home structure.
Put preventive measures in place so they don’t become a problem.
