Figure 1 shows a cross section of a home with an ice dam.
Ice dams on vent pipe roof.
The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls ceilings insulation and other areas.
One of the main safety concerns when it comes to winter weather systems is the buildup of snow and ice on roofs.
And only two feet of snow buildup on a roof can cause enough stress for the entire structure to collapse.
In summer attic ventilation does just the opposite.
Ice dams form when the snow melts on an upper warmer part of a roof.
This only occurs when part of your roof warms to above 32 degrees f warm enough to melt the snow while the roof edge remains below freezing.
This scenario is often the result of a warm attic.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that occurs on the edge of the roof of your house that prevents melting snow from draining off your home s roof.
This solution allows you to equalize your roof s temperature by heating it from the outside instead of blowing in cold air from the inside as we mention next in fast fixes.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow water from draining off the roof.
Ice dams are caused by a combination of snow heat loss from your house and cold outdoor temperatures.
Pictures would be helpful.
Some attic ventilation fans are solar powered.
Attached with clips along the roof s edge in a zigzag pattern heated cables help prevent ice dams that lift shingles and cause leaks.
The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls ceilings insulation and other areas.
Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
As the ice accumulates it forms a blockage that prevents the snowmelt from flowing off the roof.
Effects of ice dams.
Ice dams occur when melting ice build up in your roof causes water damage to your interior walls and ceilings.
In winter the circulation allows heat to escape thus keeping the roof colder and preventing ice dams from forming.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow water from draining off the roof.
When icicles grow large and have a long way to fall they can cause serious injury and even death.
Steps to takeproper ventilation drainage and insulation are the only ways to prevent ice dams.
The meltwater then runs down toward the colder eave overhang where it freezes.
