Many people enjoy the sight of icicles during wintertime, but this phenomenon indicates a significant problem.
The formation of icicles usually accompanies the accumulation of ice, creating a damming effect known as ice dams.
Homeowners who live in areas where it snows heavily must take measures regarding ice dam prevention. That’s why it’s important to know the causes and effects of ice dams and what you can do to either prevent or minimize this problem.
What Is An Ice Dam?
Ice dams are a concern when the snow on the roof starts melting. As long as the temperatures remain freezing, the snow on the roof should not melt.
Ice damming may occur if part of the roof’s temperature rises above 32 F and the roof’s edge temperature remains under that threshold.
The term “dam” is pretty descriptive, as it’s a literal ice ridge that prevents melting snow from draining properly.
Instead, the water moves behind the ice dam and possibly leaks into the house.
Ice dams can also raise shingles off the roof when the melted snow gets under the shingles and expands as it freezes.
There are three stages in the ice dam lifecycle.
- Stage One – The heat collected in the attic warms the roof but doesn’t reach its edges.
- Stage Two – The melted snow moves down towards the roof edge, stops, and re-freezes.
- Stage Three – The ice accumulation continues and forms a dam. The melted water backs behind it and finds cracks under the shingles.
We should also point out that another clue you’re dealing with an ice dam is the missing patches of snow around the roof’s peak.
Excessive icicle formation is one of the most prominent telltale signs of an ice damming issue.
What Causes Ice Dams?
The scientific definition says that the nonuniform temperature of the roof’s surface is the leading cause of ice dam formations.
The snow cover, outdoor temperatures, and heat loss from the house interact and create ice dams.
But what is the cause for the varying roof temperatures?
Heat From the House
In most cases, the heat from the house leads to uneven temperatures on the roof’s surface.
The interior warm air goes through the ceiling, reaches the attic, and warms the wooden structure and shingles covered with snow.
When the outdoor temperature is above freezing, you don’t have to worry about ice dams.
If the temperature falls below 32 F, the snow will melt in the heated area and start running down the roof.
Other Sources
There are a few other causes of heat loss, one of which is air leakage.
Homeowners might not even realize their roof has an air leak problem until the build-up of ice dams uncovers it.
Exhaust systems in kitchens and bathrooms can add to the accelerated snow melt and damming problem.
Chimneys are frequent culprits as they are a heat source. Homes that rely on regular use of fireplaces are more likely to struggle with ice dams.
Did you know? Homes with skylights are often more prone to ice damming. Even with the best quality glass, the heat is more likely to penetrate the skylight and melt the snow on the roof.
Effects Of Ice Dams
The most significant consequence of an ice dam is moisture damage, and that’s not a simple problem to cure.
Water penetrating the roof can lead to other complications.
Mold and Mildew Growth
The presence of mold and mildew on the roof is not only an eyesore but a more serious issue.
These fungi tend to spread fast, and their spores can enter asphalt shingles, prompting them to deteriorate.
Uncontrolled mold and mildew growth can negatively affect the respiratory health of household members.
Loss of R-Value
Many attics are insulated but still have air leaks that cause heat loss and ice dam creation.
Over time, the ice dams themselves can cause the loss of the R-value of the existing insulation.
Essentially, any measure of the insulation’s capability to resist heat has decreased. This can lower the overall value of your home.
Structural Damage
Ice dams cause a lot of damage to your house.
They can tear off gutters, loosen and break shingles, and cause water to enter the house.
The seeping water can cause paint to peel from ceilings and walls and even cause the roof to sag.
Water can also cause long-term damage to any wooden beams or structures and damage items inside, like clothing and furniture.
Financial Damage
If your roof doesn’t have an ice dam prevention system, you’ll need to deal with the damage repercussions.
Sometimes a minor fix is in order, but other times you’ll need to reinstall many new shingles, which is a cost most homeowners don’t expect.
How Do You Fix An Ice Dam Problem?
In theory, fixing the ice dam problem has a pretty straightforward solution – just keep the entire roof at the same temperature as the edges.
But that sometimes requires addressing one or several issues in your home.
The good news is that ventilation, proper insulation, and sealing air leaks puts you at a significant advantage.
Still, there are a few trouble spots worth mentioning that can assist you in fixing the ice dam problem for good.
| Ice Dam Solution | Price |
|---|---|
| Ridge Vent | $300-$700 |
| Soffit Vent | $320-$450 |
| Roof Hatch Cap | $20-$60 |
| Ductwork Relocation | $20-$50 per Linear Foot |
| Ductwork Insulation | $0.90-$1.25 per Square Foot |
| L-Shaped Steel Flashing | $10-$50 |
| Caulking | $50-$200 for Material |
| Adhesive Barrier | $200-$500 for Material |
| Heated Cables | $30-$50 per Set |
| Roof Steaming | $250 per Hour |
| Roof Rake | $47-$180 |
Ventilate Eaves and Ridges
Air circulation is crucial for preventing and fixing ice dam formation.
Soffit vents and a ridge vent should create a clear path for the airflow.
The installation of a ridge vent costs between $300 and $700 on average, though the size of your home and other factors will impact the price.
Installing soffit vents costs approximately $320-$450.
Cap the Attic Hatch
Sealing the attic hatch can also help in fixing the ice damming problem.
For most homeowners, this can be a DIY project with minimal investment.
Depending on the sealing materials used, the price of capping the attic hatch can vary between $20 and $60.
By capping the attic hatch, you’ll prevent drafts and decrease the loss of heat. This will keep the roof at a consistent temperature and reduce the likelihood of ice dam formation.
Move the Exhausts
You may need to move the exhaust ducts connected to the bathroom, dryer, and kitchen from going through the soffit to the walls or roof.
Keep in mind that relocating ductwork can cost between $20 and $50 per linear foot.
Pro Tip: Homeowners can sometimes predict ice dam formations and get ahead of them. When you notice an icy buildup on the roof, take a photo of it. These pictures can show you where there are potential air leaks you can check and address.
Seal the HVAC Ducts
Sealing HVAC ducts can drastically reduce roof heating and, therefore, the formation of ice dams.
You can install fiber-reinforced mastic and cover them entirely for excellent insulation.
The cost ranges between $0.90 and $1.25 per square foot.
Install Flashing Around Chimney
You can bridge the gap between the house framing and the chimney with L-shaped steel flashing. This item is usually supported by fire-stop sealant.
You can also use spray foam, but this is not a fire-resistant option.
The galvanized steel L-shaped flashing may cost between $7 and $40.
Caulking
You can use a caulking product to seal around all vent pipes and electrical cables.
You can check for spots from the inside where light is coming through for gaps.
Insulation with dark patches can also indicate air leaks.
For this DIY task, you’ll need between $50 and $200 for products alone.
Price may vary depending on the brand and how much you need to use.
Install Attic Insulation
Attic insulation has numerous benefits, including providing better air quality, deterring pests, keeping room temperatures more stable, and preventing ice dams.
Understandably, attic insulation is not an easy or low-cost fix but a significant investment.
With quality insulation, homeowners can reduce or eliminate the formation of ice dams during the winter.
The most challenging aspect of attic insulation is choosing the right material.
As a rule, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to insulation.
Let’s go over the materials you can choose, their main features, and installation price ranges to keep within your budget.
| Type of Attic Insulation | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Blow-In | $1-4 |
| Spray Foam | $2-5 |
| Batt | $1-3 |
| Insulated Panels | $4-8 |
| Loose Fill | $2-5 |
| Reflective | $0.50-$1.80 |
Blow-In
There are several versions of blow-in insulation, but the most common combination includes cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool fiber.
Regardless of the material you choose, the price ranges between $1 and $4 per square foot.
The brand of insulation, labor fees, and other factors impact the price.
The installers spray the blow-in material into the attic space using specialized tools.
The benefits of this insulation material are that they offer fire resistance and soundproofing.
Spray Foam
Spray foam is a very popular option; even the U.S. Department of Energy recommends spray foam as the best material for attic insulation.
Spray foam has a high R-value and deters mold and mildew well.
Another benefit is its longevity, which can protect your attic and roof for up to 80 years.
The potential downside is that installation is somewhat complicated, so choosing a qualified installer is vital.
In terms of price, homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot of spray foam insulation.
Batt
Batt is typically made from cellulose and fiberglass and rolled up with paper or foil backing.
Batt is pretty easy to install and is compatible with a DIY project, provided you have all the required materials.
Fiberglass batt insulation doesn’t fit well into tight spaces, unlike spray foam or blow-in insulation.
Batt’s the best option for more standard-size attics.
Installation costs around $1-$3 per square foot.
Did you know? You can even purchase batt insulation made from denim. There is a lot of textile waste in the U.S., and some insulation manufacturers have chosen to create it as a more sustainable choice for homeowners. The blue jeans are shredded and treated with particular acids to ensure they are flame-resistant.
Structural Insulation Panels
If your budget allows it, investing in structural panels is probably the best idea.
The structural insulation panels are made from durable plywood and rigid foam, ensuring they are strong and super energy efficient.
But the structural panels are usually quite large and may not fit in every attic.
They’re the go-to choice for newer homes, and contractors install the structural insulation panels during the home construction process.
Installing structural insulation panels costs about $4 to $8 per square foot.
Loose Fill Insulation
Loose fill attic insulation is very similar to blow-in, as the manufacturers also use a fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wood blend.
But instead of blowing it in place using specific tools, the installer lays out the loose fill insulation carefully to conform to almost any space.
Loose-fill insulation is usually the best option if your attic has an unusual layout.
The loose fill installation costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation is an option worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
The reflective insulation is made from aluminized polyester, aluminum foil, or another material that can reflect radiant heat.
Reflective insulation is very efficient at maintaining a home’s temperature.
If you live in a very cold climate where it snows a lot, you may need to complement it with another type of insulation during winter.
Reflective insulation costs between $0.50 and $1.80 per square foot.
What Can I Put on Roof to Prevent Ice Dams?
We’ve discussed ways to fix the ice dam problem, but if ice dams still form, homeowners can employ secondary strategies to prevent them.
For example, some relatively inexpensive tools can make a big difference in terms of ice dam prevention.
Adhesive Ice-and-Water Barrier
Applying an adhesive ice-and-water barrier is something homeowners in very snowy areas can do to deter ice dams.
You can find these adhesive barriers in most home improvement stores, but make sure to purchase enough to cover three to six feet of roof, starting from the edge.
An adhesive ice-and-water barriers is a self-sealing underlayment which costs between $200 and $500 in materials alone, but the final cost may increase, as you can only do it during re-roofing or roof replacement.
Pro Tip: In some areas of the country, building codes require roof underlayment. If you’re planning a roof replacement or re-roofing project, remember to discuss this issue with a building inspector.
Gutter Heaters
When it comes to ice dams, gutter heaters or heat cables are a practical and inexpensive solution.
When all else fails, homeowners may choose to install heated cables around the roof’s edge.
It’s essential to place the heated cables in a zig-zag pattern before the snow falls.
Gutter heaters contain high-resistance wires surrounded by insulation.
You will need a GFCI outlet, which reduces the danger of electrical shock.
The heated cables vary in price, but you can buy a high-quality set for about $30-$50.
How To Get Rid Of Ice Dams Fast
Preventing the occurrence of ice dams saves time and money in the long run.
But if you didn’t prepare your home well or the ice dams formed regardless of your efforts, getting rid of them as fast as possible is vital.
The first course of action is not to panic, as there’s always something you can do to remove or melt the ice dams.
Here are a few ideas to consider.
Steam It Off
It’s crucial to highlight that ice dams alone are not the issue, but rather the seeping moisture that causes the damage.
A great way to get rid of an existing ice dam fast is to reach out to a reliable roofing company and ask them to steam it off with a commercial-grade steamer.
A steamer works a lot like a pressure washer, except the water used is hot enough to melt the dam.
Steaming typically costs around $250 per hour.
Blow in the Cold Air
One of the worst possible solutions homeowners may try is hacking away the ice dam using a chisel or hammer. This strategy can lead to permanent shingle damage.
A better approach is to take a box fan to the attic and direct it towards the roof’s underside.
The blowing cold air will freeze the water fast and prevent leaks from entering your home.
Other De-Icing Methods
Another way to mitigate the consequences of an already-formed ice dam is to use standard pantyhose.
It may seem like an unusual approach, but it can work.
All you need to do is take an old pair of pantyhose and fill it with calcium chloride crystals.
You can find a 25-pound bag of calcium chloride crystals for about $20 at a hardware or home improvement store.
Does Raking Roof Prevent Ice Dams?
If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you may already own a long-handled snow rake, which is typically made from aluminum.
These rakes generally go for between $47 and $180.
Raking can prevent ice dams if you routinely remove the snow from the edges of the roof as it falls.
Raking can also help remove an existing ice dam, provided you follow some vital dos and don’ts.
- Don’t use a ladder, as it is not a safe option.
- Do start from the edge and work toward the middle of the roof.
- Don’t use open-flame tools to remove the snow.
- Do remove a few inches of snow at a time instead of scraping all of it clean.
Conclusion
Even though ice dams are sometimes unavoidable, there are many ways homeowners can address this problem.
Gutter heaters, adhesive barriers, steamers, and blowing cold air can help keep your home dry and mold-free. But applying preventative measures goes a long way too.
You can insulate the attic, seal the ductwork, and address any air leaks.
Some projects for handling ice dams are DIY-friendly and inexpensive, while others require you to find a licensed contractor and set aside a bigger budget.
Also, simply using a snow rake correctly can minimize the formation and the effect of ice dams.
