Don't Let Jack Frost Bring An Ice Dam!

1/14/2025 (Permalink)

Brrr!

Brrr! It sure does feel like Jack Frost has brought in the snow and cold weather this January! With the weather comes ice skating, hockey, skiing, sledding, and lots of hot chocolate! Unfortunately, it can also bring ice dams to our homes and businesses. 

What is an ice dam? Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining off. The water backs up behind the dam and can leak into your home or business, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and more. We’ve created a list of helpful tips to help prevent ice dams from occurring. 

• Proper insulation: This is the most important factor. Ensure your attic floor is well-insulated to prevent heat from rising into the attic and warming the roof.

•   Ventilation: Good attic ventilation helps keep the attic cold by circulating outside air. Make sure soffit vents (at the eaves) and ridge vents (at the peak) are clear and functioning.   

• Roof rake: Use a long-handled roof rake to pull snow off the roof, especially near the eaves. Be careful not to damage your shingles.  

• Seal air leaks: Seal any air leaks that allow warm air to escape from your living space into the attic. Common culprits include:
• Gaps around chimneys and vents
• Recessed lights   
• Attic hatches
• Wiring and plumbing penetrations

•   Insulate attic access: Ensure your attic hatch or access panel is properly insulated and weatherstripped.   

•   Clean gutters: Regularly clean your gutters to ensure proper drainage.   

•   Install ice and water shield: When replacing your roof, install an ice and water shield membrane under the shingles, especially in areas prone to ice dams. This provides an extra layer of protection against water intrusion.   

•   Consider heated cables: In areas with severe winters, you can install heated cables along the roof edge to melt snow and prevent ice dams. However, these use energy and should be used cautiously.  

If you find yourself dealing with an ice dam, or any other water or fire damage, you can call us 24/7! We are always Here to Help®!