3 Tips for Preventing Ice Dams and Protecting your Pocket

"What's an ice dam?" you may ask. The term 'ice dam' refers to ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof.  These ice ridges prevent melting snow from draining.  As water builds up, walls and ceilings risk being damaged.  This could be very costly.  And let’s be honest, no one wants home repairs for Christmas.

Instead, embrace these three tips to fortify your home against ice dams.

  1. Clean your gutters: Gutters and downspouts are the unsung heroes of your home. To prevent ice dams, keep them clear of debris. The Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand from Orbit is a trusty sidekick. It makes cleaning your gutters easy. When your roof can breathe, it can bid farewell to icy barricades.

 

2. Minimize snow on the roof: Heavy snow is beautiful but treacherous. Too much snow provides the perfect environment for ice dams. Find ways to remove excess snow. Also, keep your gutters and downspouts free of snow and icicles. Remember, lightening the load on your roof will lighten the potential for ice dams. 

3. Manage the attic: Your attic isn't just storage pace. It's a key player in preventing ice dams. Ensure insulation and ventilation are in perfect sync. Insulation guards against precious heat being transferred from the home to the roof. And proper venting contributes to a colder atmosphere in  your attic. Colder attic temperatures minimize freeze/thaw cycles on the roof. The more likely that water freezes and thaws, the more likely an ice dam will form. 

You may want to consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.

 For additional peace of mind, protect your home with B-hyve Leak & Freeze Detectors.

Learn more about ice dam prevention from the University of Minnesota