Understanding Ice Dams

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home’s attic, warming the upper sections of the roof. Snow on the roof melts and flows down toward the colder edges. As the water reaches the eaves, it refreezes, creating a “dam” of ice. Over time, this dam prevents additional melting snow from draining off the roof, causing water to back up under shingles, potentially leading to leaks, water damage, and mold growth inside the home.

Key factors that contribute to ice dam formation include:

1. Poor Insulation: Inadequate insulation allows heat to escape from your attic, warming your roof and starting the melt-freeze cycle.
2. Insufficient Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation helps keep the roof cold by allowing cool air to circulate, minimizing snow melting.
3. Heavy Snowfall: Thick snow layers act as insulation, keeping the warmer roof surface insulated while the exterior snow remains exposed to the cold, enhancing the freeze-melt process.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Prevention is the best approach to handle ice dams. With a few adjustments, you can minimize the risk of ice dams forming in the first place:

1. Improve Insulation
   Upgrading your attic’s insulation is one of the best ways to prevent heat loss. Look into adding insulation to maintain a consistent attic temperature, which will help keep your roof’s surface cooler and prevent snow from melting unevenly.
2. Enhance Ventilation
   A well-ventilated attic is essential for managing roof temperatures. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents all work to circulate air, helping maintain a cool roof surface and preventing snow from melting too quickly. If you suspect your attic ventilation is insufficient, consult a professional to assess your attic and recommend adjustments.
3. Seal Air Leaks
   Even small leaks can allow warm air from inside your home to enter the attic. Sealing gaps around chimneys, light fixtures, and vent pipes can reduce heat transfer and keep your attic at a stable temperature.
4. Roof Rake for Snow Removal
   After heavy snowfall, use a roof rake to clear the lower sections of your roof. Removing snow near the eaves prevents it from accumulating and freezing into an ice dam. Be cautious to avoid damaging the shingles while raking.

How to Fix Ice Dams

If you’re already dealing with ice dams, there are several safe ways to address the issue. Remember, some methods require professional assistance, so proceed with caution:

1. Use a Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Product
   Calcium chloride pellets can help melt the ice dam without damaging your roof. You can fill a nylon stocking with the ice melt and place it vertically across the dam. Avoid using rock salt, as it can damage your shingles and corrode your roof.
2. Create Channels for Melting Water
   Carefully use a blunt tool to chip away small channels in the ice dam, allowing trapped water to drain off the roof. Be cautious with this approach, as using sharp tools can damage shingles and roofing materials.
3. Install Heated Cables
   Heated cables along the roof’s edge can melt ice dams before they become a major problem. While this is a more permanent solution, it requires installation and some maintenance to ensure functionality each winter.
4. Call a Professional
   If the ice dam is large or causing water damage, it’s best to call a roofing professional. They can safely remove the ice dam, assess any damage, and suggest repairs or insulation upgrades to prevent future issues.

Preventing ice dams is key to avoiding roof damage, leaks, and interior mold growth. By improving attic insulation, enhancing ventilation, and regularly removing heavy snow, homeowners can protect their roofs and homes from the costly effects of ice dams. And if you’re already dealing with an ice dam, act quickly with safe removal methods or contact a professional to address the issue like Dr. Energy Saver of Connecticut.