An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas.

Jan 27, 2024 · Ice dams are most common on asphalt shingle roofs, but they can also form on other roofing materials, especially if the roof is flat. Fortunately, there are both permanent and temporary...

Oct 22, 2024 · Ice dams can wreck your gutters and roofing and cause interior water damage. Learn how to stop and prevent ice dams from our experts.

1 day ago · 6. Improving Roof Ventilation to Prevent Future Ice Dams. One of the best long-term strategies for preventing ice dams is improving your roof’s ventilation system. Proper ventilation keeps the roof surface cold, preventing snow from melting unevenly and refreezing at the eaves.

Ice dam forming on slate roof. An ice dam is an ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings that results from melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eave and freezing there. Freezing at the eave impedes the drainage of meltwater, which adds to the ice dam and causes backup of the meltwater, which may cause water leakage into the roof and consequent damage to the building ...

Jan 10, 2024 · Here's how to prevent and remove ice dams from your roof. What Is an Ice Dam and How Do They Form? An ice dam is essentially a block of ice that forms in the gutter system of the home. As it grows, it prevents the gutter system from draining water away from the house.

Oct 7, 2024 · The key to preventing ice dams is simply to keep your attic and roof cold. After a snowfall, a cold roof will have a thick blanket of snow. A warmer roof, however, will soon have clear spots where the snow has melted off, and may well have icicles hanging from the eaves.

While a permanent fix for ice dams usually requires increasing the insulation, sealing, and ventilation in the attic, there are simple ways to diminish the damage after the dam has formed. Hacking away at ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or shovel is bad for your roofing—and dangerous for you.

Feb 25, 2021 · An ice dam is a buildup of ice at the edge of a roof that prevents melted water from draining off the roof. When that melted water backs up behind the dam, it can work its way under the roof shingles, infiltrating your home and damaging ceilings, walls, and insulation.

Apr 23, 2024 · Are you looking to remove or prevent ice damming on your roof? This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about ice dam solutions.