How to Avoid Roof Ice Dams

Above-average snowfall and below-average cold temperatures throughout the winter season may leave homeowners finding that the wrath of this winter has left long-term roof damage in its wake.

Read on to learn more about ice dams and what you can do to help avoid the increased potential for ice dam damage on your home.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a wall of ice along the edge of the roof that forms when melting snow continually thaws over warmer portions of the roof and refreezes along the roof’s colder eaves.

The melted water that pools behind the ice dam gets trapped, creating the potential to leak into the home and cause damage to:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Insulation, and
• Other structural areas

Ice Dams: Low-Risk Roof vs High-Risk Roof

Icicles dangling from rooftops may actually signal potential ice dams in regions hit hard during winter.

Low-Risk Roof for Ice Dams:

• Properly ventilated
• Adequately insulated
• Sealed air leaks
• Cool, consistent attic temperature

If you need help getting your roof and attic ready for the winter season, then contact an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you to request a roof inspection.

Proactive and Preventive Tips

To help avoid the increased potential for ice dam damage on your home, consider following these proactive and preventive tips.

Proactive

Contact a local roofing contractor who can evaluate your roof for damage and determine what your roof needs are.

This could include additional:

• Shingles
• Underlayments
• Ice and water barrier products
• Ventilation, and/or
• Additional insulation

Preventive

• Prepare your home for next year’s winter.
• Clean gutters and downspouts of debris each fall before winter strikes.
• Has your attic been inspected for proper attic ventilation and insulation?

Ask your roofing contractor about:

• WeatherLock® Ice and Water Barrier products †
• VentSure® Ventilation products
• AttiCat® Insulation

^ Excludes non-Owens Corning® roofing products such as flashing, fasteners and wood decking.

† Available regionally