Protect Your Home Series---Ice Dams

When do ice dams develop? • When there is snow and/or ice on the roof for an extended period of time and • The outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for Several days and • There is heat inside the attic. What causes an ice dam? • Heat build-up in the attic due to improper ventilation warms the roof and melts the bottom layer of snow and ice. • The melted snow and ice runs downward under the snow layer until it reaches an area of the roof that is colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (usually at the caves or gutters). • The water freezes creating an ice buildup called an "ice dam." • Attic heat warming the roof surface melts the snow, creating a pool of water under the snow above the ice dam forcing water back up under the shingles causing water to leak into the building. How can I prevent an ice dam? • Keep the attic and roof cool by installing adequate insulation on the attic floor. • Ensure that there is proper ventilation by installing soffit vents that move air upward to a ridge vent or other venting near the roof ridge. • Wrap or insulate all heating ducts in the attic. • Seal all openings to the attic (e.g. light fixtures) • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and natural debris • Use a snow rake or soft broom to remove fresh snow from gutters. (Avoid using sharp tools to remove ice as this usually causes more damage.) Will ice shields and heating cables prevent ice dams? • Ice shields and heating cables do not prevent the formation of ice dams as they do not address the root cause of ice dams. • Only proper insulation and ventilation will reduce the probability of ice dams.

Cold Weather Tips for Home Protection

If the outside temperature approaches freezing, exposure to subzero air presents the greatest risk of pipe freezing. If you have lost power below are prevention tips to help safely prevent frozen pipes: • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances and lights to prevent a circuit overload when power is restored. • If you use a fuel space heater or generator, be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • Make sure the space heater is used with proper ventilation. • Never run a generator inside. Set the generator up outside and downwind from the living area. • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage. If your home will remain unoccupied: • Shut off the water supply and drain the water supply system. • Consider draining the water heater and boiler. If you intend to occupy your home: • Water pipes located adjacent to exterior walls or within base-cabinets or in closets are susceptible to freezing. Leave the cabinet/closet doors open to allow air circulation around those pipes. • Let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes. • Cracks or holes in outside walls should be sealed or otherwise blocked. • Exposed pipes, especially those on outside walls should be wrapped and insulated in some manner. If building insulation is unavailable, consider other materials. • If your house has a crawl space located under it, close all of the air vents located on the foundation wall. This will help protect the pipes located in that area. • Detach all hoses and shut off the water supply to outside faucets.