Ice Dams and Icicles: What Causes Them and How to Stop Them for Good
- ŠŠ»ŠµŠŗŃŠ°Š½Š“ŃŠ° Š”Š¼ŠøŃŠ½Š¾Š²Š°
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Common Problem for Homeowners
As winter fades, many homeowners are left dealing with the aftermath of heavy snow and freezing temperatures - ice dams and long, heavy icicles hanging from their roofs. If youāve faced this issue before, you know itās more than just an inconvenience.
Icicles can be dangerous, posing a risk to people, pets, and property when they fall. In a less severe scenario, they can tear down or damage your gutters.
Ice dams can cause roof leaks, water damage, and even structural issues inside your home.
If you're wondering why this happens and how to prevent it, here's what you need to know.
Why Do Ice Dams and Icicles Form?
Ice dams occur when warm air escapes from your home into the attic due to insufficient insulation or poor ventilation.Ā
This causes snow on the roof to melt unevenly. When the temperature is slightly below freezing, the melted water flows down to the edges of the roof and refreezes, forming a thick ridge of ice.
Icicles form in a similar wayāwhen melting snow drips off the roof and refreezes before it reaches the ground.
Many homeowners try temporary fixes like shoveling snow off the roof, using heated cables, or applying ice melt. While these can help, they donāt address the root cause.
How a Metal Roof Prevents Ice Dams and Icicles
Built-in VentilationĀ ā Metal roof installation includes double wood strapping, which creates a ventilated gap between the existing roof and the metal panels. This allows air to circulate more evenly, reducing the temperature differences that cause ice dams.
Smooth, snow-shedding surfaceĀ ā unlike asphalt shingles, which allow snow to pile up and melt unevenly, metal roofs have a sleek surface that encourages snow to slide off naturally, preventing ice buildup.
Durability in Winter ConditionsĀ ā Unlike shingles, which deteriorate over time due to freeze-thaw cycles, metal roofs donāt crack, curl, or absorb moisture, ensuring long-term protection.
In addition to a metal roof, good attic insulation and proper soffit ventilation are key to preventing ice dams. We always ensure proper ridge ventilation when installing a metal roof, which helps keep your attic well-ventilated year-round.
