3 Causes of Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams are a common issue for homes in Peabody, MA, leading to many seasonal roof jobs for professionals. There are many reasons why ice dams form, such as uninsulated attic spaces, clogged gutters, and poor attic ventilation. In this blog post, we will explore these three main causes of ice dams and their impact on your roofing system. 

1. Uninsulated Attic Spaces

One of the most common causes of ice dams is an uninsulated attic space. If your attic is not insulated, warm air from inside the house can escape into the attic and create pockets of warmth. This melts any snow near the warm air, which will flow down the roof and freeze along the colder edges. Over time, ice dams will form as the ice builds up.

2. Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can also contribute to ice dam formation. If your gutters become clogged with debris like leaves and sticks, the melted water on your roof will be unable to flow properly. Instead, it will pool in certain areas along the edge of your roof and freeze when temperatures drop. This buildup of frozen water can lead to major ice dams on your roof.

3. Poor Attic Ventilation

Another major cause of ice dams is poor attic ventilation. If your attic has poor ventilation or receives excessive direct sunlight during the day, it can become extremely hot with little ability to regulate temperature. This warm air will heat up any snow on your roof and cause it to melt faster than normal. The resulting water that runs down from this melted snow can refreeze when it reaches colder areas along the edge of your roof, leading to large amounts of built-up ice. If left unaddressed, this problem may cause water damage to your home, as melting snow will only be able to flow into your home instead of off the roof.

The Impact of Ice Dams

Ice dams can have a significant impact on your residential roofing system. Not only can they lead to water damage in your home, but they can also cause damage to the structure of your roof by causing shingles and other materials to come loose over time. Additionally, ice dams are difficult and expensive to repair once they have formed, so you must take steps to prevent them from forming in the first place.

If you are concerned about ice dams forming on your roof or you already have ice dams and need assistance, get in touch with US Roofing in Peabody, MA. Our experienced team of professionals will be able to help you identify the cause of your ice dams and provide you with the best solution for repairing them. With experience in both residential roofing and commercial roofing, we can assist you in any way you require. Call us at (978) 532-6300 today or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.