For homeowners, ice dams are frustrating winter developments. When snow piles up on your roof and temperatures are freezing, the heat from inside the home can cause snow to melt and refreeze at the edge of the roof, creating a ice blockage on the roof line – an ice dam. According to the professionals at Prizio Roofing & Siding in New Canaan, CT, ice dams are some of the most damaging side effects of the winter season, and can result in costly repairs when trapped water leaks into interior ceilings and walls. Below, the roofers explain how an ice dam forms and offer their expert tips to prevent ice dams.

4 Ways to Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

1. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation 

One of the easiest ways to prevent an ice dam is to ensure proper ventilation in your attic or crawl space. Without proper airflow in the attic, heat from your home can build up in this vacant space and warm up the roof. Snow on the heated part of the roof melts and flows downward, refreezing into an ice dam on the eave. As snow continues to melt, some of the water gets trapped and held by the ice dam, and can leak into interior ceilings and walls. 

Installing ridge vents and soffit vents circulate cold air under the entire roof so any heat that does rise up into the attic is carried away. A warm roof is the underlying problem causing an ice dam so taking steps to keep the attic temperature consistent with the outside temperature (at or below freezing) is the cure. 

2. Add Insulation

Having sufficient insulation on your attic floor keeps heat where it belongs: inside your home vs. leaking out the roof. If you’re dealing with ongoing ice dam issues, a professional roofer can inspect your attic with a thermal camera and recommend adding more insulation if there is indoor heat loss through the roof. Proper attic insulation coupled with proper attic ventilation are the two most important steps to preventing ice dams. 

If your roof sits directly on top of interior rooms, and you don't have an attic or crawl space to insulate, limiting the rise of heat is nearly impossible. This situation increases your chance of developing ice dams during snowy, freezing conditions. You can install specially designed heating cables to the outside of your roof on the eaves to melt away ice and prevent damage during winter storms. Heating cables can be helpful for ice-dam prone areas to treat the symptoms of ice dams, and need to be installed by a professional electrician.

3. Exhaust Heat Ducts to the Outside

When frigid temperatures hit, it’s common to turn up the heat a few degrees to keep your family comfortable which can compound the roof warming trend if insulation and ventilation are not addressed. It’s also important to make sure that all ducts connected to the dryer, kitchen, and bathroom vents are directed outside. There should not be any ducts venting exhaust into the attic – all vent ducts should lead outside through the roof or walls of your house. 

4. Roof Shoveling After Heavy Storms

One of the simplest ways to prevent costly damage after heavy winter snow storms is to hire a professional roofer to proactively shovel your roof before an ice dam occurs. Heavy snow coupled with frigid temperatures is the perfect storm to create an ice dam. The roofing contractors recommend having your roof shoveled when there is 12 inches or more of snow accumulation. Hiring a roofing professional to shovel your roof vs. a handyman is important to ensure the job is done safely and shingles are not damaged. 

As a homeowner, it's important to take precautionary steps to avoid ice dams from forming. Unfortunately, winter storms can move in quickly and catch you by surprise. If an ice dam has already happened, contact the experienced roofers at Prizio Roofing & Siding. From roof shoveling to ice dam remediation, the fully licensed and insured roofing company can handle your winter emergency services safely and efficiently. To schedule a winter service appointment, call them at (203) 322-9009. You can also learn more about their full range of roofing, siding and gutter services online.