Gutters are not the only place where ice dams form. Blocked or clogged gutters can fill with ice and provide the foundation for an ice dam.
Ice Dam Prevention
- Perform regular maintenance on your roof and gutters.
- Keep your heating system well maintained.
- Heated cables can equalize the temperature on your roof, which can prevent unequal melting that causes ice dams.
- Protect your roof by installing water and ice shield under the shingles at the edges of your roof, chimney and skylights, and around any vents.
- Steaming away ice dams is a professional only option because it requires commercial steaming equipment that heats water and dispenses it under pressure.
- The best way to address the problem of recurring ice dams is to improve the insulation and ventilation in your attic.
- Remove snow with a long-handled roof rake.
- Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant.