A common insulation contractor in northern climates, ice dams occur when heavy snow builds up on the roof and melts during the day but refreezes at night. This repeated cycle causes melted snow to back up under shingles, causing leaks into the building that can damage ceilings, walls and insulation.

Dealing with ice dams once they have formed can be difficult and expensive. Prevention is the best approach, and proper insulation and air sealing is a key part of preventing them.

Generally speaking, ice dams develop as the result of uneven roof temperatures where the higher portions (the peak) of the roof are above freezing and the lower eaves are below freezing. This is often due to heat escaping the living space of the house into the attic, where the air then warms the snow on the roof.

“Choosing Insulation for Your Attic: A Complete Guide

The solution is to properly insulate and air seal the attic, making sure there are no places where warm air can escape into the living space. Proper attic ventilation also helps. And sealing air leaks around attic hatches, light fixtures, vent pipes and other penetrations is an important part of this process.

Raking the snow off the roof can also help, but it needs to be done thoroughly and consistently in order to have any impact. It is not a long term solution, and can damage the shingles of a roof. In addition, the ice and debris can build up on the gutters and downspouts where it can then get into the building.

Insulation Panama City
6909 Hwy 22, Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 713-5744
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