Ice dams are frozen blocks of ice that collect in gutters and roof edges preventing the proper drainage of roof slopes. When heavy snow falls, and has a chance to collect on a roof, gutters and low slopes prevent snow from sliding off.
As the snow melts, either from the sun or improperly vented attic areas, water from the top of the roof streams down towards the blocked roof edge. As the edge of the roof is frozen and caked with snow, this blocks free passage of the water to ground, Thus forming a dam so to speak. Water now sits on the roof and finds its way through nail holes, shingle cracks or improperly sealed shingles.
A few remedys are to have a roofer install what is known as ice and water barrier. This is a self sealing membrane placed on the roof deck, and should prevent water infiltration.
Be sure gutters are installed properly, no part of the gutter should be above the plane of the roof, this will allow snow and ice to slide from the roof with less interference. Also check to see if your attic space is properly vented, this will ensure you have even melting, and prevent melting from heat build-up when the temperature is below freezing. Finally try to clear snow from gutters before it has a chance to freeze, once frozen it is almost impossible to clear until melting can occur.
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| Roofing Membrane Prevents Ice Dams |
