3 Tips to Prevent Ice Dams

"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 and prevent melting snow (water) from draining off.

The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and damage walls, ceilings, insulation, and other components. 

1. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean by removing all leaves, sticks, and other debris. This can easily be done by using the Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand from Orbit. As a result, snow melting on the roof will be able to drain off properly. 

2. Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight. Be sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of snow and icicles throughout the winter. 

3. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. The insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of the home. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.

 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 Detectors. 

Click here to learn more: The University of Minnesota has provided some helpful information about ice dams and how to prevent them.