No gutter whether protected by a gutter guard or not is immune to icicles forming or conditions existing related to ice dams.
Gutter screens and ice dams.
The best way to approach ice dams though is by putting in the work now while it s still fairly warm outside.
Why do gutter guards have problems with ice dams and icicles.
Gutter guards you know those gutter covers that starving phone salesmen try to sell you every autumn.
They re meant to keep out leaves pine needles and other flotsam.
It is a common experience for customers in northern climates to experience ice dams and severe icicle formation after installing gutter guards or gutter screens.
The first response by worried homeowners is to call the gutter guard installation company and ask why this is happening.
A cubic foot of ice weights roughly 60 pounds and when enough builds up on your gutter guards they may collapse into the gutter system.
Gutters have a tendency to collect leaves and other debris and that makes gutter guards an important part of your roof s drainage system.
Again gutter guards will help by reducing debris in your gutter and making it more difficult for ice dams to form but it will not prevent them entirely.
Gutter guards and ice dams.
Gutter guard ice dams people get really really angry when the gutter guard they install suddenly creates icicles when they never had them before.
One side effect of installing gutter guards on your horizontal runs is they can help to generate ice sickles and dams as water freezes during the winter.
But they can also keep out your friendly neighborhood ice dam guys tech when it s time to remove that giant ice dam from your overhang.