Ice Damming
Is it Preventable?

Finally, winter has ushered in regular snow fall. Although snow building up, melting and subsequently freezing again may be tolerable on a ski slope, it is not favorable for any property roof. When the cycle of snow melting and freezing again on a roof continues, ice damming can occur. If not treated properly, ice damming can compromise the roof decking and furthermore, increase the chances of water intrusion inside the property.

So what is ice damming and how does it develop? Snow must first be present on a roof. Throughout the day, the temperature can rise just enough to thaw the snow on the roof tops. The melted snow then trickles down the roof, only to be frozen again as the temperature drops. The newly formed icicles and ice buildups on the eaves (the lower part of the roof that overhangs), valleys (the sections where the roof slopes join) and any problematic areas of the roof suddenly become the backbone for an ice dam. The thawing and freezing cycle continues for the next couple of days, adding to the ice barrier. In a short while, a robust ice dam is formed.

The complications that can arise due to ice damming can be extensive. During a warm spell, excessive water may pool at the ice dams. The water can actually seep behind and underneath the shingles or roof tiles, penetrating the roof deck. As more water leaks in over time, the plywood of the roof deck can deteriorate and become more susceptible to further roof leaks. Water may trickle down interior walls or pool on the floors as it seeps down between the framing. As water and moisture become present in the roof cavities, insulation and between the walls, damage is mounting unbeknownst to the property owner.

Some of the most common causes of ice damming could be attributed to: the weather fluctuations, the attic or undersides of the roof temperature being irregular, clogged or damaged gutters, inadequate downspouts and even complicated roof designs.

As there are different causes for ice damming, is it preventable? Well, unfortunately there is no one cure for ice damming, as it is ultimately impossible to control Mother Nature. Even if an individual can be successful at removing snow/ice buildup on a roof, the snow melt can still form ice dams at the next vulnerable spot. The key issue with ice damming is drainage and furthermore, the elimination of all the drainage inhibitors on your property. The following bullet points are suggestions that can be taken to spot the drainage inhibitors and moreover, how to reduce ice damming:

• Gutter & Downspout Maintenance. Making sure gutters and downspouts are adequate, clean and in good working condition is a minimal requirement for proper drainage. It is advisable to perform fall clean-up of all leaves and debris and to ensure that no blockage is present. If a low point or non-sloped sections can be seen in the gutters, a professional would want to be called to mend the improper draining issue. Gutters should be at a constant slight slope with an appropriate number of downspouts in order to maximize drainage.

• Manually Remove Snow Buildup. This method is cautiously recommended and if selected, should be handled by professionals. If easily reachable, a broom or a rake can be used to push snow off the edge of the roof. However, physical contact with the roof can sometimes result in damage to the shingles or roof tiles.
• Install Heating Features. Radiant heating sheets, cables or panels can be installed to the surface or underneath the roof. These heating features can be applied to the entire roof or to the problematic areas such as the eaves and/or valleys. Heating the roof with these methods works well as the more prone areas to ice damming can be focused on. Through the use of roof heating products, it is possible to diminish the strength and longevity of the shingles or roof tiles. Installing heat features can be expensive and must be placed at the time of the installation of the roof unless the heating device is designed to be put on top of the shingles. If the layout of the heat features is not installed correctly, ice damming may just get relocated to a different section of the roof. Therefore, consult a roofing expert for radiant roof heating recommendations/installation.
• Install an Ice and Water Shield. During the installation of a new roof, placing a continuous ice and water shield on the eaves and valleys of the roof may be adequate to protect the roof decking in the event that ice damming occurs. Water may trickle down underneath the shingles but will remain above the shield. Several counties/jurisdictions in Colorado have adopted the installation of a double layer of 30 lbs felt or an ice and water shield membrane along the eaves and valleys of the roof for new homes.
• Maintain Constant and Even Temperature in Attic. In order for the entire attic to remain at an even temperature, proper ventilation and an appropriate amount of insulation must be present. Ridge, gable and soffit vents should be adequately installed and free of any air blockage.
• Rooftop Fixture Precautions. Take precautionary steps in placing items on your roof such as satellite dishes, antennas, swamp coolers, solar panels, etc. These items can become a collector for drifting snow. Improper installation of rooftop fixtures can result in water intrusion issues.

Ice damming can be an expensive and a time consuming problem if undetected. If you think your property is susceptible to ice damming, precautionary methods for your roof should be on your to-do-list. If it is too late and ice damming and its effects have been detected, contact a certified firm to mitigate the damage.

Article Written By Diego Velasquez and Wayne Walton

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