Minimize the Risk of Ice Dams with Spray Foam Insulation

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Now that winter’s on its way out the door, we’re finally going to be able to see our roofs again, and some of us might not like what we see. One downside of all the snow, the melting, and the freezing that happened over the past few months is the wear and tear it likely had on your roof. Ice dams are a common issue we experience as homeowners throughout the winter months, and they aren’t particularly kind to roofs. 

What are ice dams?

According to the University of Minnesota, ice dams are “[ridges] of ice that [form] at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.” Water that’s prevented from running off the roof can end up leaking into the home, causing “damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas,” including your gutter system. 

When heat is allowed to escape from your home into your attic, it will rise to the highest point of the roof. When the upper section of your roof is exposed to warm temperatures from inside, snow in that area begins to melt. As the water begins to run down, temperatures also begin to cool. This change in temperature along your roof allows ice to form and creates ice dams that will wreak havoc on the health of your roof and gutter system.

How to prevent ice dams 

There are a few helpful ways that you can prevent ice dams from building up on your roof and causing expensive damage to the rest of your home. These include things such as:

  • Ensuring your gutters and downspouts are free from debris (sticks, leaves, etc.) to allow proper drainage as winter temperatures begin to rise 
  • Working to keep your roof free from heavy snow buildup (you can find helpful tips in this article)
  • Taking steps to prevent your gutters and downspouts from freezing 
  • Investing in proper insulation and ventilation in your attic

Insulate your attic to prevent ice dams

While you still need to keep your roof clear of snow and your gutters free of ice and debris, having good insulation in your attic is also a very helpful step in preventing ice dams as well as providing you with an array of other benefits

One of the main reasons ice dams form is due to a cold attic and warm external temperatures. To combat this, spray foam works to properly insulate the space by “regulating heat loss,” and preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from seeping in. This specific type of insulation is also very good at preventing external moisture from coming in. So, if you do still have ice dams forming on your roof, spray foam can help stop water from leaking in through your roof. 

Spray foam insulation near me

We pride ourselves here at Northstar Insulation on being spray foam insulation experts. We believe that, with its many benefits and longevity, it’s one of the best forms of insulation that you can use in your home. If you’re interested in investing in this multipurpose product or learning more about it, contact us to schedule a consultation.