Do gutters cause ice dams? More specifically, can a faulty gutter contribute to ice damming? Residential homeowners may not understand whether gutter issues lead directly to the formation of an ice dam. However, ice dams are typically caused by multiple factors, such as insufficient attic insulation or inefficient roof ventilation. Indeed, malfunctioning gutters can aggravate or worsen ice dams but generally do not serve as a primary (or even secondary) reason for them forming.
How Do Ice Dams Form?
An ice dam forms at the roof’s edge (eave) and stops snowmelt from draining off the roof. Instead, the snowmelt refreezes into ice, causing subsequent melted snow to pool on the roof surface behind the blockage. Consequently, the newly formed ice can structurally damage the home because of its excess weight. It can also force moisture into the house via the adjacent outer surfaces by being constantly exposed to trapped snowmelt.
Ice dams primarily arise from heat loss through the roof, causing snow to melt and proceed down the slope. Near the roof’s edge, surface temperatures are much colder (sometimes below 32° F). Melted snow refreezes at the roof’s eave, setting up a recipe for disaster. The hardened ice becomes much more difficult to melt unless outside temperatures consistently exceed the freezing point or the sun’s angle reaches a point for melting to occur.
Do Gutters Cause Ice Dams?
Most roofing industry experts agree that the existence of gutters (or problems such as clogging) does not directly cause ice dams. However, malfunctioning gutter systems can exacerbate difficulties associated with the ice damming effect. Typically, an ice dam will have formed near the eave because of other issues (particularly heat escape from the home’s upper interior spaces adjacent to the roof). Because the gutter is connected to the eave, it can slow the possibility of snowmelt runoff. This results in a “larger” ice dam forming than otherwise might exist.
Addressing Gutter Issues
Homeowners can choose from various methods to reduce the possibility of gutters worsening their potential ice dam issues. These solutions include the following actions:
Clean Gutters Before Winter
Clogged gutters from leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris can create a challenge. Avoid this by removing impediments from the gutter channels and downspouts before the onset of the winter season.
Clear Gutters Of Snow & Icicles
If you can safely remove accumulating snow and icicle formations in and adjacent to your gutters, this step will help reduce the ill effects of ice dams. It also eases the load capacity on your roof near the eaves.
Employ Gutter Tape
Gutter tape (e.g., heating cord or cable) warms the roofline and gutter channels to reduce the likelihood of snow melting from refreezing adjacent to the eaves. The tape also creates drainage channels.
Ensure A Sufficient Gutter Slope
Gutter channels should have a slight downward slope, allowing rain and snowmelt to utilize gravity efficiently. That way, moisture can easily flow to the downspouts. Verify that the gutters possess a graduated slope.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter shields prevent clogs from forming in the gutters and downspouts. They keep leaves and debris from entering the channels. They also act as a filter to ensure only water and snowmelt flow into the gutter system.
Primary Contributors To Ice Dams
Ice dams develop for two main reasons:
- (1) Inadequate Attic Insulation
A lack of sufficient (or the correct) attic insulation may create an ice-damming effect on your roof’s surface adjacent to the edges. If your attic is too warm, heat escapes through the roof layers. This outcome will “prematurely” melt snow on your roof and force the water to the eaves for refreezing (especially when outside temperatures are below 32° F).
Experts recommend that homeowners install an R-value of up to 60 to reduce the possibility of ice dam formation. However, depending on your location, you may need to deviate from this standard. Consider all your insulation options as well. Loose-fill, spray foam, or blown-in cellulose insulation might be the right solution, depending on your situation.
- (2) Poor Roof Ventilation
Improper roof ventilation (including unresolved air leaks) might lead to ice damming. Sufficient air circulation in the attic space, under the eaves, and adjacent to the soffits helps reduce the probability of ice dams. Exhaust vents help expel warm air from attic spaces. Intake vents enable cool, refreshing air to enter the attic, preventing excess heat buildup.
A qualified roofing professional can assess your home’s roofing system to determine whether additional attic and roof ventilation is necessary to stop ice dams. Exhaust vents include ridge, box (louver), mechanical turbine (whirlybird), cupola (dome), and electric or solar-powered vents. Intake vents include soffit, gable, fascia, and drip edge vents.
The Ice Dam Prevention Specialists
For Denver and Fort Collins, CO residents, Red Diamond Roofing is the premier residential roofing contractor. We offer the best solutions for minimizing or eliminating the possibility of ice dam formation during the cold, snowy winter months along the Front Range. Contact us today to learn more about our full menu of roofing services or to schedule an appointment (and receive a free bid on your next roofing project).
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