How Attic Insulation Helps Guard Against Ice Dam Formation

For many homeowners across the United States, ice dam formation is a real problem once the temperature starts to drop during the winter. The water that backs up behind the ice dams can leak into your home and wreak havoc on your interiors. Fortunately, roofing contractors have a very effective way of combating this: good attic insulation.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams form after a heavy snowfall when the warm air in your attic heats up your roof. This causes the snow to melt and run down the roof. At night, when the temperature dips below freezing again, this water refreezes and forms a mound of ice. This wall of ice traps more snowmelt that can get under your shingles and into your house.

How to Reduce Ice Dams

Since a warm roof in winter is what causes ice dams to form, the key to reducing or preventing ice dams altogether is to keep your attic and, therefore your roof, cold. Residential roofing contractors typically use loose fiberglass insulation for attics if you live in a cold climate. You should also use more than a foot of blown-in insulation on the attic floor. 

The ducts located in your attic also play a big role in warming up your attic. For instance, it is common for homes to have leaky, uninsulated furnace ducts running through their attic space. For this reason, it is important that all ducts in your attic are properly sealed and insulated and the exhaust air vented outdoors. 

Whether you want to get new gutters installed or are in need of storm damage repair and restoration services, turn to the experts over at The Badger Company. To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (608) 850-6282. Alternatively, you may fill out our convenient contact form to request a free quote today.