Ice dams are a nuisance that can wreak havoc on your roof. Understanding how ice dams form can help you prevent them from forming in the first place.

Warm Roofs Create a Perfect Opportunity for Ice Dam Formation

Does the snow on your roof melt fairly quick while your neighbor’s roof is still heavily blanketed? Your home may be leaking heat into your attic that can lead to ice dams.

When a heavy layer of snow accumulates on the roof, the warm air from below begins to melt it and sends water running down to the edge of the roof. Because the roof eaves are much colder, the water refreezes there and a dam slowly builds up. As more water continues to flow down, it backs up at the dam and finds its way under the shingles and into your attic and interior walls.

Keep Your Roof Cold to Prevent Ice Dams

According to Michigan State University, homeowners should start by checking the level of insulation in the attic. Without sufficient insulation, heat travels easily into the attic and warms the underside of the roof.

Adding attic ventilation, such as ridge vents or soffit vents, can allow cold air to freely flow into the attic and keep the roof temperature evenly cold from the roof’s peak to the eaves.

Keep the warm air inside your home. Seal up any air leaks from inside your home to the attic. An article in The Family Handyman lists the most likely culprits for air leaks that include openings around light fixtures, vent pipes, plumbing and cracks in drywall.

Remove existing ice dams

Do you already have ice dams on your roof? Learn how Platinum Property Solutions safely and gently removes ice dams using our professional steam machine. Our steam-removal method cuts through thick icicles and ice dams without damaging your roof shingles.