Temporary Solutions for Preventing Costly Ice Dams This Winter

Understanding Temporary Dams

As the cold winter months arrive, homeowners in snowy regions need to be prepared to prevent ice dams. Ice dams form when snow on the roof begins to melt and refreezes at the edge, allowing an ice ridge to develop.

What Causes Ice Dams?

There are a few key factors that lead to ice dam formation:

• Snow buildup on the roof
• Heat loss from the attic/inside the home that melts the bottom layer of snow
• Refreezing of the meltwater at the roof's edge before it can drain off

This combination of snow, heat loss, and refreezing creates the perfect environment for ice dams. As more snow melts, the ice dam grows taller and can trap water behind it.

Leaks and Other Ice Dam Damage

Over time, the water trapped behind an ice dam will back up under the shingles and roof decking. This can lead to leaks inside the home, damage to insulation, rotted roof deck boards, mold growth in the attic, and other major issues.

Temporary Ice Dams Solutions

To protect the home while waiting for full-scale ice dam prevention improvements, temporary solutions can provide quick relief. Here are some common temporary fixes for ice dams:

Heating Cables

Heating cables are a simple solution that involves laying a cord along the roof's edge. When plugged in, the heat melts channels into the ice allowing water to drain off. This is most effective for smaller ice dams.

Alternative Heat Sources

For larger ice dams, using high-power heat sources can help melt channels and break up thick ice buildup. While risky, carefully using heat sources like high-power hair dryers, heat guns, or steam can provide rapid relief if other options fail.

Ice Breaking and Removal

When safe to access the roof, physically breaking up ice dams or removing the snow and ice can quickly send water draining. Use caution when walking on icy roofs and completely clear off any loose debris after working above entry or walkway areas.

Expanding Insulation

Adding rigid foam insulation panels over the roof's edge provides an extra thermal break between the attic and roof surface. This added insulation reduces heat loss and further helps limit ice dam growth.

Preventing Ice Dams

To provide a long-term ice dam solution, focus on prevention first:

• Increase attic insulation to at least R-49 to reduce heat loss
• Ensure proper attic ventilation year-round
• Install drip edge over any roof edge susceptible to ice dams
• Consider removing and replacing vulnerable roof deck areas
• Upgrade to an ice shield roofing underlayment

With proper insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and roofing materials, ice dams can be avoided altogether. Contact a certified Home Energy Auditor to inspect the attic and identify weak points in the home's thermal envelope.

Gutter and Roof Maintenance

Vigilant maintenance also plays a key role in ice dam prevention:

• Keep gutters clean and draining freely
• Install gutter guards to prevent clogs from forming
• Remove excess snow from the roof using a snow rake
• Carefully apply calcium chloride or similar deicers as needed

Staying on top of maintenance both reduces snow load and improves drainage - two critical factors in the prevention of ice dams.

Protect the Home This Winter

Ice dams can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left untreated. Begin preparing now before the winter weather intensifies and it becomes harder to implement solutions.

Focus first on any temporary fixes to relieve immediate issues, then start planning upgrades and schedule maintenance to prevent any ice dams from returning next year. With some diligence and preparation, homeowners can stay warm, cozy, and free of ice dams even throughout harsh winter conditions.

FAQs

What are some temporary solutions for ice dams?

Common temporary ice dam solutions include using heating cables, alternative heat sources like heat guns, physically removing ice, and adding rigid foam insulation panels at the roof edge.

Is it safe to use a heat gun on an ice dam?

Using high-power heating tools like heat guns can rapidly melt ice dams but the risk of roof damage or injury needs to be considered. Use extreme caution when operating heat sources above areas where falling debris poses a hazard.

How long will temporary ice dam fixes be effective?

The goal of temporary solutions is quick relief while more robust prevention options are implemented. Heating cables, roof raking, insulation panels and the like can provide short term drainage but they will not stop new ice dams from eventually reforming.

Can I completely prevent ice dams from coming back?

Yes, improving attic insulation, ventilation, remediating gaps in the thermal envelope via an energy audit, and proper roof and gutter maintenance can prevent ice dams altogether as long as the improvements are properly maintained every year.