Icicles hanging from your roof and gutters look pretty, but they can be a sign that things are not right with your home’s roof. If the icicles are small, they will melt quickly and aren’t really an issue, however if small icicles are forming between the house and the gutter you may have an issue.1 If the icicles are large and it appears that the ice covers the lower edge of your shingles, then you should take action.
Addressing roofing issues before the cold weather arrives will save your roof, your home and your wallet.
Here’s a look into how ice dams form and what to do about it.
Icicles form when heat from your home’s attic warms the snow on the roof. That melting snow results in water running down toward the eaves (the area just before your gutters). The eaves are the only part of the roof that isn’t warmed by the attic heat so the water freezes, turning into those beautiful icicles.
As more water runs down the shingles and refreezes at the eaves that ice builds into what is called an ice dam.
Roofs are engineered to protect your home from water running down the roof, not up the roof. Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home. They can cause gutters to detach, shingles to come off and water to leak into your walls and ceilings.
Types of Damage from Ice on Your Roof
Water damage can include peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings and soggy insulation in the attic which reduces the R-value of the insulation and can cause a mold and mildew problem.2
Icicles, even small icicles forming between the house and the gutter can damage the fascia — the board on your home where the roof meets the wall. Icicles between the house and the gutter can also signal that water may be flowing into your home.3
If the icicles are brown, you definitely have a problem, as that is an indication that the water has been in contact with the wood on your home. Icicles coming out of your soffit vents or running down the side of your home also signal bad news.
Insulation and Ventilation
Professional roofing contractors understand the importance of attic insulation and ventilation. That is why before installing a new roof they may ask to look inside the attic at the insulation and determine whether there is proper attic ventilation.
Attic insulation and ventilation are two critical factors in preventing roof and home damage from freezing conditions. The goal is to make the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves.4 Check your local building code to see if you have adequate insulation on the attic floor to keep the heat from your house from escaping into the attic and warming the roof. If your home does not have proper ventilation your roofing contractor will recommend a ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents to circulate cold air under the entire roof.
Chimneys, Lights and Holes
Homeowners also need to make sure that any heat source, such as a chimney or can lights in the ceiling of your home are insulated to adequately keep the heat from these sources from heating up the attic. Older can lights can’t be insulated without creating a fire hazard so it is best to install newer sealed “IC” fixtures which can be covered with insulation.5 Seal all holes or gaps such as around chimney flashing, HVAC ducts, and cables or pipes coming into the attic.
All exhaust from fans need to be vented outside, not into the attic.
To prevent ice dams homeowners can use a roof rake to remove snow when it forms on the edge of the roof. If the ice dam has already formed you can fill the leg of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice melter and using a roof rake, push the pantyhose so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.6 When the snow melts, have your roof and attic evaluated to determine how to prevent ice dams, and the significant damage they can cause, in the future.
Call a Roofing Contractor Today
Your best bet is to reach out to us here at Level Up Improvement in Dearborn. We are trusted roofing experts known throughout Metro Detroit for our fast, dependable roofing services including roof repair and replacement, new roof installation and roof maintenance.
Our goal is to do more than secure your roof, we make sure to enhance your home’s safety so that you can live comfortable and efficiently. Visit us online and get a Free Estimate!
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1, 3 Icicles + Ice Dams on Gutters: Causes, Prevention, Removal, 2/27/2021
Link: https://upgradedhome.com/is-it-ok-to-put-a-new-roof-on-in-the-winter/#
2, 4, 5, 6 How to Get Rid of Ice Dams
Link: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21017660/how-to-get-rid-of-ice-dams