What Is an Ice Dam?

Here's how ice dams form:

When the attic space in a house is not adequately insulated and ventilated, heat from the interior of the home can rise and escape through the roof. This heat warms the uppermost layer of the roof, causing the snow on the roof's surface to melt. As the melted snow water runs down the roof, it reaches the colder eaves and gutters, where it refreezes due to the lower temperatures in these areas. Over time, this continuous freeze-and-thaw cycle causes ice to accumulate and form a dam-like structure along the roof's edge.

Ice dams can create several problems for homeowners. First, they can lead to water backup under the shingles or roofing material, which can result in leaks and water damage to the interior of the house. Secondly, the weight of the ice dams can place stress on the roof structure, potentially causing damage or even collapse in extreme cases. Additionally, the water trapped by ice dams can seep into the building envelope, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and insulation problems.

To prevent ice dams, it's crucial to address their root causes, such as inadequate insulation and ventilation in the attic. Proper insulation and ventilation help maintain a consistent roof temperature, preventing the melting and refreezing process. Homeowners can also use measures like heat tape or heating cables in gutters and along the roof's edge to melt snow and ice, as well as roof rakes to remove snow from the roof after significant snowfall. Proper maintenance and proactive measures are key to minimizing the risk and damage associated with ice dams.

We recommend stopping ice dams before they start. Talk to our team about having gutter heating cables professionally installed at your Columbus or Cleveland home.