| |
|
How to Prevent Ice Dams -
Start in Your Attic
How Ice Dams are Created and
Prevented with Proper Attic Insulation and Ventilation
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
To prevent Ice dams all that is typically required is the
installation of additional insulation and better air ventilation in
the attic.
Ice Dams occur at the edge of a roof, because the attic is not
properly insulated and vented. The attic air temperature should be
as close to the outside ambient air temperature as possible to
prevent ice dams. If it is above freezing in the attic, while the
outside air temperature is below freezing, melting of snow on the
roof will occur.
|
During the night, as the temperature drops, the melting snow will
turn to ice, thus forming the ice dams.
If you are observing Ice Dams examine your attic and check for the
following:
- Make sure there is at least R-30 attic insulation between the
ceiling joists.
- Make sure that there are no un-insulated gaps.
- Make sure all bathroom ceiling fans are vented to the outside
and not just vented into the attic. If the ceiling fans are only
vented into the attic they will send warm moist air into the
attic, which will heat the attic and cause melting on the roof,
which leads to the Ice dams.
|
|
- Make sure the ridge vent or gable end vents are free from
obstructions that would prevent proper air flow.
- Make sure there is an air gap between the soffit and the top
of the insulation laying between the ceiling joists. You may need
to use attic rafter vents to create this air gap. Again, you want
to make sure there is air flow from the soffit vents to the ridge
or gable end vents. By doing so you prevent any slight heat leaks
from the rooms below elevating the temperature of the attic.
|
With the above tips you should be able to prevent ice dams and
the resulting water and structural damage that comes with them.
How to Finance your Attic Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
|
Find a Qualified Attic and Home Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Attic and Home Remodeling
Contractors! |
For help on Attic Conversion and Attic
Renovation Projects, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Attic Conversion Bid sheet. The
Attic Conversion Bid sheet will help
to ensure that you hire the right contractor so that your attic conversion
project is built
correctly, on time and budget.
Related Attic and Ice Dam Prevention Information
|
|
|
