How to Prevent Ice Dam Damage

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

As we head further into the winter season snow will inevitably fall, landing on and around our homes and likely settling on our rooftops. While a soft blanket of white might seem quaint and cozy, it can really cause some costly damage if ice dams begin to form. Ice dams result from a combination of snow melt and unregulated temperatures. Read on to learn more about these dangerous frosted formations and how you can prevent them.

What is an ice dam?
Many homes, especially older ones, have insufficient insulation in the attic which allows heat to escape and warm the roof. This causes the snow up top to melt and drip down towards the eaves and gutters. Once the melt reaches the eaves the temperature will be significantly colder and can cause the melt to refreeze. Over time a dam of ice is formed and water from melting snow will begin to pool, causing roof and gutter damage and potential flooding.

What can I do to prevent ice dams from forming?

1. Ventilate - Adding vents to your roof's ridge and soffits will create a constant flow of cold air underneath the roof. This will keep the temperature regulated to help balance the melt-to-freeze ratio.
2. Exhaust - Make sure that any and all exhaust fans and ducts lead directly outdoors and not into the attic. Exhaust should exit through walls or out the roof, but never through the soffit.
3. Insulate - Additional insulation in the attic can work wonders to keep hot air from escaping and warming your roof. There are a wide variety of insulation types, so it’s best to check with your local home improvement professionals if you’re unsure which to use.

As the season progresses, if you find that your gutters or eaves have been damaged due to the formation of ice dams, All Aluminum Gutters can help! Serving Long island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx for over 30 years, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, click here or call 631-816-2498. We even offer free in-home consultations and estimates!