Stop Costly Ice Dams From Occurring

With heavy winter snows now on our roofs how do we avoid spending thousands of dollars on interior and exterior repairs from ice dams?

Why do Ice Dams Occur?

Ice dams occur when heat from your house escapes through ceilings, ceiling penetrations or even wall cavities and melts snow on your roof. This water freezes as it moves down the roof slope and forms a dam of ice. Additional melting snow sheds water that is then dammed and when deep enough actually flows backward up under the shingles and roof underlayments. When this occurs it makes very little difference whether roofing is properly installed. Roofs are not made to be pool liners.

How do I prevent ice dams from occurring?

Most home owners make the mistake of thinking their roof is the problem to preventing leaks from ice dams. While this is possible if significant shingle deterioration exists—very rarely is roofing the problem. Lack of insulation and ventilation is the culprit.

1st, provide for proper ventilation from soffit vents, through air baffles in the attic and out roof vents at the roof peek.

2^nd, properly insulate wall cavities, ceilings and wall top plate or 'rafter tails' . Rafter tails can be insulated with fiberglass insulation or with foam up to the air chute.

Insulate any exhaust vent penetrations through the attic space.

3^rd, Seal any electrical or plumbing penetrations through attic space.

4^th, blanket the entire area with either spray foam or blown in fiberglass insulation to R-49.

By taking these preventive steps you will save money on your heating and air conditioning as well as costly repairs from ice dams.

Joe Nelson

Twin City Home Remodeling LLC

Minneapolis, MN