Ice dams, explained without the sales pitch
Upkeep
6 min read
Why they form, what actually stops them and what does not.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the eaves that holds meltwater on the roof until it finds a way in. It is a heat problem before it is a roofing problem.
Why they form
Warm air from the house heats the roof deck, snow melts, and the water refreezes when it reaches the cold overhang. The warmer the attic, the bigger the dam.
What helps
Sealing the attic floor, adding insulation and keeping the soffit vents clear. On the roof itself, ice barrier membrane under the first six feet of shingle stops the water that does back up.
What does not
Heat cables treat the symptom and add to the bill. Hacking at the ice with a shovel treats nothing and costs you shingles.
Next note
When cedar is worth it
Twenty minutes in the air.
$180 survey
Taken off the bill if we do the work.
Report in two working days
Photographs, measurements and one fixed price.
Yours to keep
Use it with us, another roofer or your insurer.