An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow 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.

What causes ice dams? Ice dams on roofs form when accumulated snow forms an insulating layer under cold conditions that would cause the freezing point to be within the snow layer, if it were not subject to melting. Instead, building heat coming through the roof’s surface melts the snow resting on it. This causes meltwater to flow down the roof, until it reaches a place on the roof’s surface that is below freezing—typically at the eaves where there is no building heat. When the meltwater reaches the frozen surface, ice accumulates, growing a barrier that impedes further passage of meltwater off the roof.

How do we fix it? With proper attic insulation of course! Assuring sufficient insulation in the roof to prevent freezing at the roof surface under a deep snow pack. We also provide ventilation under the roofing material that carries escaping building heat elsewhere and assures a cold roof surface.