Ice damming is what happens when snow and ice fill up and block your roof gutters. This can cause problems because the ice and water can potential pool up and seep into your attic and the rest of your home. This can lead to mold, rotting wood, and damages in things stored in your attic. It can also get into your insulation and decrease the R-value or completely ruin it.
A sign that your gutters have been blocked is icicles that form on the edge of your roof. Once this has happened it is only a matter of time before it starts to leak and can cause very costly damages.
Preventing Ice Dams from Effecting Your Home
- Keep the roof cold. If the snow isn’t melting, water won’t leak into your attic. Good insulation will ensure that exterior temperatures will dictate how cold the roof is since no warm air from your home will be escaping outside.
- Air-seal and insulate the attic. Again, if hot air from your house isn’t going outside, then it won’t heat up your roof. You want to make sure that the snow doesn’t melt and seep into your living spaces.
- Close off the attic. If your attic is insulated with floor insulation, make sure that the attic is closed off. Any drop down stairs or hatches that are open will allow heat into the attic and will warm up the roof.