It’s that time of the year again when staying indoors, safe and snug in front of the fireplace, is a delight. While the season makes for a perfect cuddle time, it also brings other things that you are less likely to like -- including ice dams.

Ironically, keeping your roof cool can actually prevent these frosty formations. But before we delve more into how that is even possible, let’s first learn more about ice dams, their cause and the damage they can potentially cause.

HOW ICE DAMS FORM

Anyone who lives or has lived in cold-climate areas has probably seen ice dams already. Some may even enjoy the sight of icicles on roof eaves. Unfortunately, most of us only care about knowing how ice dams develop when we start noticing damage to our roofs and property.

Ice dams need only three things to be created: snow, heat to melt the snow, and cold to refreeze the melted snow back into solid ice. It only takes an inch or two of snow for an ice dam to be born, especially if the roof is poorly insulated and air sealed. As the winter days go by, more snow falls onto the roof, which means thicker and more troublesome formations.

PART I: Causes of Ice Dams and Resulting Damage

THE ANATOMY OF AN ICE DAM

Ice dams form along the roof’s lower edge because the upper roof surface is usually at an above-freezing temperature while the lower part is below freezing. Since the roof deck is directly above the heated living space, the heat escaping from the house melts the snow. Meanwhile, the lower outside edge of the roof does not receive the same heating.

When the snow on the upper roof melts, the water runs down, under the blanket of snow, to the roof’s edge. As the water reaches the unheated lower part of the roof, it freezes once more.

Cold temperatures and deeper snow increase the occurrence and size of ice dams. As more snow accumulates on the roof, the more the heat is trapped beneath, warming the roof sheathing and melting the snow above it -- and the ice dam formation cycle goes on and on.

PART I: Causes of Ice Dams and Resulting Damage

THE DAMAGE THAT ICE DAMS CAN CAUSE

Ice dams are known to cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage annually. While most of the signs of damage are noticeable, such as water-stained ceilings, peeling paint, sagging ice-filled gutters, damaged plaster, and dislodged roof shingles, there are other not-so-obvious signs and issues that go undetected and unresolved until they cause more serious problems.

Below are just some of the damages and issues you can expect to deal with due to ice dams:

Checking your home carefully for the signs of ice dam damage is a good idea, but the more important thing that you must do is to prevent the main problem from happening.

Heat and energy loss and air leakage due to compromised insulation

Roof leaks, which can further damage the roof and insulation

Moisture buildup, which can rot wall cavities and encourage the growth and spread of mold and mildew

Health problems due to mold and mildew buildup

Corrosion of metal components in and around your roof system and wall cavities

Weakening and premature deterioration of the structure

PART I: Causes of Ice Dams and Resulting Damage

Cold roofs for ice dam prevention can indeed sound funny if not non-sense. But the truth is, keeping your roof cool is one of the most sensible things you can do for your home. Not only will it help make your house more energy-efficient, it can also prevent the damage that ice dams can easily cause.

Here is a simple explanation of how a cool roof can prevent ice dams from forming.

If a roof is cool, the snow above it will not melt. There won’t be any melted ice that flows down to the roof’s edge and there won’t be any dammed water. The temperature at the upper and lower part of the roof will be around the same values, thus, preventing the cycle of freezing-melting-freezing.

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR ROOF COOL

Below are the methods that will help you make and keep your roof cool enough to prevent ice dams from forming.

PART II: How Keeping the Roof Cool Can Prevent Ice Dams

PART II: How Keeping the Roof Cool Can Prevent Ice Dams

Insulation

Ceiling insulation of at least R-38, which is typically composed of 12 inches of fiberglass and cellulose, is recommended for optimal insulation. It should also be continuous and consistent in depth.

Commonly, the most problematic area is the one above the exterior wall. For new construction, the roof framing details should allow for the installation of R-38 insulation. But for existing homes, where the space can be rather limited, you can opt to install insulating foam with as high R/inch as possible.

Ventilation

In order to cool roof sheathing, you will need a soffit-to-ridge ventilation system. Roof vents, turbines, power vents, and gable louvers are unfortunately not good enough. The soffit and ridge vents should run continuously along the house’s length to make a complete and effective system. Furthermore, a baffled ridge vent is best as it will exhaust attic air regardless the direction of wind.

Remember to install insulation baffles above the exterior wall to add protection for the insulation against the air that flows through the soffit vents.

PART II: How Keeping the Roof Cool Can Prevent Ice Dams

Air Leakage

The flow of warm indoor air into the attic area must be prevented as much as possible. Small holes can allow a significant amount of warm air to enter the attic, which can contribute to the heating of the roof. You need to ensure that the attic and roof space is airtight. You can use canned urethane spray-foam, packed cellulose, caulking, and weatherstripping to seal the following:

- Plumbing penetrations- Wiring penetrations- Attic hatches- Ceiling light fixture gaps and holes- Bathroom exhaust fan installation gaps- Chimney gaps and cracks- Intersection of ceiling and interior partitions and walls

PART iII: Help! I Got an Ice Dam!

It is typical for homeowners to not put a single thought into ice dams until winter comes and they eventually need to deal with it. Unfortunately, the presence of ice dams gives you limited options for solutions, but not to worry -- there are still effective actions that you can take.

Rake It Off -- Fast!

Ice dams can form quickly especially if the factors it needs to develop are present. Thus, you also need to act quickly. If you can get out and up your roof, rake the snow off using a roof rake. You don’t need to go so high up, though. Just make it a point to remove at least the lower 4 feet of snow from the edge of the roof.

Blow In Cold Air

Arm yourself with a box fan and go to your attic. Aim the fan at the underside of the roof , most likely the area above heated spaces in your home below. This way, you can stop the melting of the snow and freeze the water before it can get to the edge of your roof.

Use Calcium Chloride or Ice Melt Product

If you notice an ice dam forming, apply calcium chloride or a similar ice-melting product. Indeed, you should not wait for the dam to take form, but if it already did, this is the most practical course of action that you can take. You need to melt the dam before it hardens enough to cause damage on your roof.

Professional Ice Dam Removal

Finally, if you end up with an ice dam, it is still best to call a professional to remove it for you. While there are things you can do to remove the dam yourself, your safety can still be compromised -- for instance, melting the forming dam on your roof’s edge while you are on a ladder can be very risky. Contractors who offer ice dam removal has the skills, knowledge, and tools appropriate for this job and they can provide you with the best, long-lasting results.

PART iII: Help! I Got an Ice Dam!

Rogers Roofing, Inc.

Indiana: (219) 228-8210Illinois: (773) 492-2270

4540 Wabash Hammond,IN 46327

RogersRoofing.com