Do Gutters Cause Ice Dams

If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

Do gutters cause ice dams.

Gutters don t work quite the same in the winter. Different from normal icicles ice dams are large buildups of ice on your gutter. Then it will refreeze at the edge of the roof or in the gutter and cause the dam to form and potential damage as a result. In both cases the heat melts the ice on the roof.

A gutter cover and gutter heating system prevent debris and ice accumulation. It s not that gutters and or gutter guards cause ice dams. We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. Do gutter guards prevent ice dams.

In order to separate fact from fiction and to make the right decisions for your home here s what you need to. Clogged gutters downspouts and underground drain tiles. Watch out a common sign of water damage caused from ice damming are water spots on the ceiling. This constant refreezing can cause ice dams and icicles to form along the gutters.

This might mean adding more insulation fixing problematic chimneys or skylights and looking and addressing sources of escaping air. Gutter guards will prevent debris from getting in your gutters which can alleviate ice dams but they still often freeze during the year s coldest months this allows the thick heavy ridges of ice along your roof s eaves to form. People who tell you gutters cause ice dams don t know the science behind ice dams. They don t as i ve written.

If not properly taken care of the ice will begin to build up under the shingles which may lead to water damage in the home. These large masses can cause your gutter system to tear down or other damages dangers to the surrounding areas. Since roof heat leads to ice dams one strategy to prevent ice dams is to reduce sources of roof heating. This can also prevent the drainage flow of melted snow and ice through your gutters which can lead to water damage.

Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. But if the combination of poor attic insulation poor ventilation and heavy snow causes an ice dam as so often happens you may rue the day you gave your gutters a hat. A cubic foot of ice weights roughly 60 pounds and when enough builds up on your gutter guards they may collapse into the gutter system. Gutters do not cause ice dams.