Those icicles along the eaves look festive, but the ridge of ice behind them can force water under your shingles and into your ceilings. Ice dams are preventable once you understand the cause.
Key takeaways
- Ice dams are caused by heat escaping into the attic, not just cold weather.
- Insulation and ventilation are the real fixes; raking snow is a stopgap.
- Water from ice dams can damage roofs, walls, and ceilings.
How an ice dam forms
Heat leaking into the attic warms the roof and melts the snow on it. That meltwater runs down to the cold eaves, refreezes, and builds a dam. Water then backs up behind it and under the shingles.
The real fix
Ice dams are an insulation and ventilation problem. Sealing attic air leaks, adding insulation, and ensuring proper ventilation keeps the roof deck cold and stops the melt-refreeze cycle.
Short-term steps
Raking snow off the lower roof and keeping gutters clear can reduce the immediate risk, but they treat the symptom. The lasting fix is up in the attic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually causes ice dams?
Will more attic insulation stop ice dams?
Can an inspection identify ice dam risk?
Ready to protect your investment?
Schedule your inspection with Milwaukee’s trusted team, or call us with questions.
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