WHAT CAUSES ICE DAMS ON ROOF GUTTERS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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WHAT CAUSES ICE DAMS ON ROOF GUTTERS?

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.  The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Ice dams form when snow that has accumulated on the roof melts and runs down to the gutter system.  As the meltwater runs into the gutter system, it cools and begins to freeze.  Gradually, ice builds up in the gutter, forming an ice dam.  When this occurs, the weight of the ice can damage the gutter system.

Additionally, the ice dam prevents water from draining away from the home, causing water to seep through the shingles, where it freezes, expands, and ultimately loosens the shingles.  Once this happens, the water can work its way into the roof, causing extensive water damage, wood rot, and mold growth. Here’s how to prevent and remove ice dams from your roof.

Effects of ice dams

Moisture entering the home from ice dams can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.  These can cause respiratory problems.

  • Prevent the growth of mold and mildew by immediately drying out portions of the house that are wet or damp.

  • Take immediate action to get rid of the water source, clean the home environment and maintain its air quality.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ICE DAMS?

Ice dams might not always cause severe damage, but they can lead to various problems if left untreated.  Below are some of their causes to keep in mind so you can prevent ice dam damage:

HEAT LOSS THROUGH THE ATTIC

Ice dams often result from uneven temperatures on the roof.  When a house loses heat and outside temperatures are at or below freezing, it sets the stage for ice dam formation.

The actual creation of an ice dam occurs when warm air in the attic escapes through vents or holes in the roof.  This warmth causes snow on the roof surface to melt, which then flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes into ice dams.

INADEQUATE INSULATION AND VENTILATION

Poor attic insulation, ventilation, heavy snowfall, or abrupt thaw temperatures contribute to ice dam formation.  This combination results in a roof surface above freezing while the air temperature is below freezing, leading to the melting and refreezing of snow into ice dams.

Ice dams can be caused by insufficient attic ventilation.  Even without visible icicles, these dams can still form, emphasizing the role of proper attic ventilation in prevention.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Common in northern climates, ice dams can occur when accumulated snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight due to dropping temperatures.

Ice dams can happen whenever daytime temperatures rise above freezing and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing.  Melting occurs on warmer days, regardless of insulation or attic temperature, and refreezing overnight leads to the formation of ice dams.

Ice dams stem from a mix of factors: heat loss through the attic, inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, and specific weather conditions.  To prevent ice dams, it’s crucial to ensure uniform roof surface temperatures through sufficient attic ventilation and insulation.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Rake Snow Off the Roof

One of the best ways to stop ice from forming on a driveway is to shovel the driveway after it snows.  Similarly, DIYers can prevent ice dams from forming by removing the snow from the roof. If no snow is on the roof, it can’t melt and create ice dams.

Use a lightweight roof rake with a long extension to safely rake snow off the roof.  Ideally, the extension will be long enough for the DIYer to work from the ground while remaining far enough away from the home to avoid the snow and ice as it is pulled off the roof.  After removing the snow, climb to the eaves and clear any leaves or branches that may have accumulated in the gutter system.

Seal Airflow Leaks and Ventilate the Attic

Heat from the home that escapes through the gaps around the soffits, intake vents, or flashing can cause the snow on the roof to melt and form ice dams. DIYers can reduce the amount of heat flowing to the roof by sealing these gaps. Similarly, you can reroute bathroom vents or dryer vents so that they exit through an exterior wall instead of through the attic.

Homeowners may also install attic vents along the underside of the eaves to ventilate the attic, releasing warm air through the attic vents before it builds up directly under the roof.  Installing an efficient ventilation system for the home is a job for a professional.

Install Attic Insulation

The heat transfer through the roof and into the snow causes the snow to melt and flow down toward the gutter system, where it freezes and creates ice dams. By installing attic insulation, the homeowner can reduce the transfer of heat through the roof, slowing the rate at which the snow melts.  Not only does this help prevent ice dams, but it also improves the efficiency of the home.  However, attics require proper ventilation to avoid moisture accumulation, so to avoid accidentally hampering the ventilation of the attic, it’s best to leave this job to a professional.

Add Heated De-Icing Cables

A great way to prevent ice dams is to install heated de-icing cables.  These cables are designed specifically to prevent ice from forming on the roof and in the gutter systems.  DIYers or professionals can install these cables by running the cables through the gutters and up to the roof.  Secure the cables using the fasteners provided by the manufacturer and plug in the cables at an exterior power outlet to heat the gutters and roof.

Keep in mind that this option should only be used if the roof is currently clear of snow and ice. Also, it’s imperative to find de-icing cables specifically made for roof and gutter installation.  Additionally, the DIYer must work carefully to avoid damaging the cables when raking snow off the roof.