What Is Causing Ice Dams on My Roof in Hermantown?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in St. Louis County.

Our teams in Aitkin, Carlton, and West St. Louis Counties respond to storm damage emergencies often in the winter months. Some Hermantown residents are challenged by ice dams forming on their roofs. The Minnesota Department of Commerce offers tips for dealing with ice dams now and how to prevent them in the future, which can also save you money on your heating bills.

Preventing future ice dams

Ice dams are not caused by roofing, ventilation, or gutter problems, as often believed. The real problem is a home that is leaking warm air.

Due to inadequate air sealing, heat from the home's interior gets into the attic and melts the underside of the snow on the roof. The melted snow water flows down the roof surface until reaching a cold spot, such as the eaves or soffit, where it forms a frozen dam.

Over time, especially with a snow-covered roof in subfreezing temperatures, more ice can build up. Eventually, water starts seeping into the home.

Because the primary cause of ice dams is warm air leaking from the attic, the best prevention is to seal leaks with caulking or expanding spray foam, with attic insulation installed to a minimum of R-50 as space allows.

Call Us Today!

When you discover storm damage in your Aitkin home or business, our professionals in Aitkin, Carlton, and West St. Louis Counties are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 218-879-6141.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.