Ice Dams: Causes and Solutions
Winter brings its own set of challenges, and one common issue that homeowners face is ice damming. Ice dams can lead to significant damage to roofs and interiors if not addressed promptly. In this blog, we'll delve into what ice dams are, the causes behind them, and effective prevention and removal methods.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof typically on a gutter, preventing melting snow from properly draining off. This accumulated ice can trap water on the roof, leading to potential leaks and water damage inside the home.
Why do they form?
They can form in a multitude of ways, some that are out of your control, but fear not there are many ways to prevent and protect against them. For starters poor insulation or the lack of insulation causes the warm air in the attic to melt the bottom layer of snow and as that water runs down the roof underneath the snow it melts more and more snow until it finally collects by the gutter. Due to the gutter not being warmed by the attic air, the water starts to freeze creating an ice dam. Also, if there is no proper ventilation then that same warm air will sit in the attic causing the snow to melt.
The last two ways are out of our control and they include drastic temperature changes where the snow will melt and re-freeze quickly and sunrays may cause uneven melting and re-freezing increasing the rate an ice dam forms.
What can you do to prevent them?
So, for starters making sure that you have adequate ventilation and insulation will minimize the chances of an ice dam forming. By keeping the attic air at the same temperature or similar temperature + - 20 degrees as the outside air, it is less likely that the snow will melt. While you can use things like heated cables to stop the ice dams from forming, it is not solving the problem and it is only a bandaid fix.
What about protecting your home for when they do form?
The main thing that will decide this is your roof and how well it was installed. Contrary to what many people might think, shingles are not waterproof nor are they watertight. They are designed to flow water in one direction effectively and when ice dams form it causes sitting water. It is actually the ice and water that seals the roof and prevents leaks, and having the proper material and excellent craftsmanship will be the deciding factor when facing an ice dam.
Ice dams can pose a threat to your home during the winter months, but with proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of their formation. Regular maintenance, proper insulation, and ventilation are key elements in preventing and addressing ice dams, ensuring a safer and more secure home during the colder seasons.
