Understanding what Ice Damming is | Roof ice dam prevention

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Roof Ice dams on roofs are caused by a combination of snow, ice, and temperature differences that usually occur with heavy ice and snow and are usually not due to a faulty roof installation or even indicate a roof problem and may not be covered under any warranty. Poor attic insulation, loss of heat, and poor ventilation is usually the main reasons as well as clogged gutters. Ice dams can form at the edge of your roof, roof valleys, and low-pitched areas or any area that snow and ice may not melt therefore prevent the melting snow from not draining properly. Once it warms up, you may have noticed that the ice/snow has mostly melted on your roof but may still be at the roof edges, valleys, low-pitched roof areas, or even areas that may accumulate a lot of snow and ice such as roof valleys. Ice damming can damage the gutters, as well as shingles and interior walls and ceilings, so no matter if you have an older roof or a newer roof, ice dams may cause your roof to leak. The images and video link below will help you further understand ice damming and why it happens as well as some tips to help prevent ice damming.

• Temperature differences: Ice dams on roofs form when the roof's upper area is warmer than the lower edge. This can be caused by inadequate attic insulation or ventilation. 
• Snow and ice buildup: Snow melts and runs down the roof, then refreezes at the colder edge, creating an ice dam. 
• Attic bypasses: Cracks or holes in the ceiling/interior that allow warm air to rise into the attic. 
• Attic insulation: Poor attic insulation causes heat to escape into the attic melting the snow and ice faster on the roof and the over hangs are still frozen therefore the water cannot drain into gutters properly and back up causing a leak.
• Heat Ducts: Heat ducts located in your ceiling may speed up the melting process of ice and snow as heat rises.

(Areas that are most likely to form ice dams)

• Roof over hangs: Roof overhangs is most likely to ice dam due to cold outside temperatures and not melting as fast.
• Roof valleys: Roof valleys can also ice dam due to the amount of ice and snow that accumulate in the valleys and not melting as fast.
• Low pitched roofs: Low pitch roof areas drain slower than higher pitched roof areas an also may cause ice damming.
• Snow and ice pockets: Areas on the roof that may accumulate large amounts of snow and ice pockets, like behind walls, chimneys, and skylights or anywhere ice and snow may set causing a dam not allowing for the melted ice and snow to drain.

(What can be done to help with roof ice dam prevention)

• Improve insulation: Add insulation to the attic to prevent heat loss. 
• Improve ventilation: Ensure the attic has good airflow to keep the air cool. 
• Seal air leaks: Seal any cracks or holes that allow warm air into the attic.
• Clean gutters: Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and not clogged.
• Home temperature: Try not to keep your home temperature extremely hot as this will accelerate the melting of the ice and snow especially if you have poor attic insulation. 72 degree is usually idea.
• Heated cables: Having a heat cable installed by a professional at the problem areas may also help by keeping the area warm therefore allowing the ice and snow dam to melt.
• Snow/Ice removal: If possible, try to remove any ice and snow on the roof in areas that are a problem. You may want to hire a professional for this option as getting on a roof has its dangers especially if roof is covered in ice and snow.

Watch YouTube video on ice damming