Should You Worry About Icicles Hanging from Your Roof?

Icicles hanging from your roof and gutters may look pretty, but they can signal a problem with your roof. Small icicles usually melt quickly and aren’t a concern. However, icicles forming between your house and gutters may indicate an issue. Large icicles covering the lower edge of your shingles require immediate attention.

Addressing roofing problems before winter can save your roof, your home, and your wallet.

How Ice Dams Form

Heat from your attic melts snow on your roof. The water flows toward the eaves, which are colder since they aren’t heated by the attic. This water refreezes, forming icicles. As more water refreezes, it builds into an ice dam.

Roofs are designed to protect your home from water flowing down, not up. Ice dams can detach gutters, lift shingles, and cause water to leak into walls and ceilings.

Types of Damage from Ice

Ice can cause water damage such as peeling paint, warped floors, sagging ceilings, and soggy attic insulation. Moist insulation reduces energy efficiency and can lead to mold or mildew.

Icicles forming between your house and gutters can damage fascia boards and may indicate water is entering your home. Brown icicles suggest water has contacted wood. Icicles coming from soffit vents or down the side of the house also signal trouble.

Insulation and Ventilation

Professional roofing contractors check attic insulation and ventilation before installing a roof. Proper insulation keeps attic heat from warming the roof. Adequate ventilation, including ridge vents and continuous soffit vents, circulates cold air under the roof to prevent ice dams.

Chimneys, Lights, and Gaps

Seal any gaps around chimneys, ducts, cables, or pipes entering the attic. Exhaust fans should vent outside, not into the attic. Use insulated fixtures for can lights to prevent heat from warming the roof.

Preventing Ice Dams

Remove snow from roof edges using a roof rake. If an ice dam forms, fill a leg of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice melter. Use a roof rake to place the pantyhose over the ice dam and gutter. Once melted, have a contractor evaluate your roof and attic to prevent future damage.

Call a Roofing Contractor Today

Reach out to Level Up Improvement in Dearborn. Our trusted roofing experts provide fast, reliable services including roof repair, replacement, and maintenance throughout Metro Detroit. We don’t just secure your roof; we enhance your home’s safety and efficiency. Visit us online for a free estimate!