Gutters Cause Ice Dams

This constant refreezing can cause ice dams and icicles to form along the gutters.

Gutters cause ice dams.

Gutters do not cause ice dams. Gutters don t work quite the same in the winter. We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. In order to separate fact from fiction and to make the right decisions for your home here s what you need to.

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. In both cases the heat melts the ice on the roof. When an ice dam gets big enough melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Watch out a common sign of water damage caused from ice damming are water spots on the ceiling.

People who tell you gutters cause ice dams don t know the science behind ice dams. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. They don t as i ve written. On some houses ice dams are a pervasive and damaging winter roofing problem but other houses may have no trouble at all.

The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. When this happens they fallen gutter protection actually cause a blockage which can lead to ice dams and expensive damage to your home. If ignored ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof gutters paint insulation and interior drywall and other surfaces. But if the combination of poor attic insulation poor ventilation and heavy snow causes an ice dam as so often happens you may rue the day you gave your gutters a hat.

It s not that gutters and or gutter guards cause ice dams. Then it will refreeze at the edge of the roof or in the gutter and cause the dam to form and potential damage as a result. A gutter cover and gutter heating system prevent debris and ice accumulation. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

If people try to tell you otherwise either politely correct them or slam the door in their face and let them use the money they make from their revolutionary no ice dam gutter system to have a surgeon un flatten their nose. If not properly taken care of the ice will begin to build up under the shingles which may lead to water damage in the home. Since roof heat leads to ice dams one strategy to prevent ice dams is to reduce sources of roof heating. What damage do ice dams cause.

Gutters at the eaves can also trap snow and ice.