Ice Dams? Brewster Roofing Can Help!

:. Ice Dams

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

Ice Dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. When snow and ice of the roof melt (caused by warmth from the attic or the sun) the melted water runs down the roof. When the water hits the cold area of roof over the eaves, it refreezes. As more melting water hits the cold spot, it begins to "stack up" and eventually forms an ice dam.

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Source: University of Minnesota Extension


Ice and water running and freezing from behind the gutter on an exterior garage wall. Ice was also forming on the interior portion of this wall.	Sometimes gutter cover can be the cure but in this case it isn't. Gutter is full of ice!	After 3 days of thawing the Ice Dam has become 4 inches tall trapping and backing up the next days thaw.


Water is escaping up and over back of gutter and down the wall.	Hatchet should slide off towards the ground but in this case it slid towards the roof pitch

Dam forming in a valley roof to wall transition after 2 days of daytime thawing.

Ice Dam forming above and below roofing shingles.	My hatchet is sitting on top of the Ice Dam instead of sliding off.

Ice Dam forming on top of gutter cover. Water is escaping over the side of gutter instead of coming in the interior wall, notice home has no overhang commonly called soffits, this also magnifies the interior leakage.	Side view of Ice Dam after I have chopped and cleared about 4 feet in an attempt to temporarily relieve water back up for the homeowner.

For more information please visit the University of Minnesota web site for complete details: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/dk1068.html