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Before winter gets into full swing, Minnesota homeowners have the opportunity to act now to
help prevent ice dams and costly water damage to ceilings and walls.
The problem?
Ice dams are primarily caused by the presence of warm air in
the attic, combined with snow on the roof and the right weather conditions, with outside air temperatures near freezing.
When heat leaks into the attic. it melts the underside of the snow on the roof. The water then flows down the roof surface until it reaches a cold spot, such as
the eaves or soffit, where it forms a frozen dam. The ice buildup can back up
under the shingles, damaging the roof and allowing water to leak to the
ceilings and walls below.
Any penetration into the attic space (around wires, plumbing vents, light
fixtures,
chimneys, knee walls) is a potential for air leaks. Inadequate
insulation, especially near the eaves, is also a contributing factor.
The solution?
To avoid ice dams, attic air leaks must be sealed with
caulking or expanding spray foam, and attic insulation should be installed to a
minimum R-50 as space allows.
A first step to solving ice dams and making your home more energy
efficient is to have an advanced energy assessment. The assessment will use
equipment such as infrared cameras to identify attic air leaks and then offer action steps to prevent ice dams.
Advanced energy audits can be
arranged through your gas or electric utility, nonprofit energy groups and HVAC
professionals. Once the problem areas are detected, get bids from at least two
licensed contractors for the work .
What not to do?
Don't install heating cables which will shorten the life of your roof and cost you money to operate.
Don't remove the ice with chippers, chemicals or heat that can damage shingles, gutters and other building components.
Don't add roof vents, including powered vents, which will not eliminate ice dams and often make the problems worse.
If ice dams must
be removed, it is best to hire a professional
ice dam removal company that uses steamers.
To prevent future
ice dams, the best course of action is to attack the root cause, which are attic air
leaks. Sealing those leaks will help prevent ice dams and save on your energy
bill.
For more information on preventing
ice dams and air sealing and insulation, check out the Minnesota Commerce Department's Home Energy Guide
(pdf) (pages 8-20).
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Minnesota
Energy Tips is provided twice a month by
the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. Contact the
Commerce Department's Energy Information Center at energy.info@state.mn.us
or 800-657-3710 with energy questions.
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