Clogged Gutters Ice Dams

Gutters are perfect places for ice dams to form especially if they re already clogged with leaves and debris.

Clogged gutters ice dams.

Ice dams in colder climates ice dams can form on the gutters or the lower edge of the roof causing water to pool and eventually seep into the home. Snow and ice build up ice damming rotten fascia and soffit. If there is clogging of the gutter system the water will not flow properly and will sit and freeze. These ice dams typically form on the gutters.

Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. Obviously gutters have nothing to do with this. While ice dams can form on homes with clean gutters clogged gutters prevent water from draining which increases the chance for ice dams. Angie s list guide to gutter cleaning.

The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. The ice then grows to the point that an ice dam forms at the edge of the roof line. What damage can ice dams cause. Do you know how to remove an ice dam.

These dams cause water to pool and seep into your building. The cost of fixing damaged gutters is nothing in comparison to the potential cost in home repairs especially if the problem persists. Meltwater drains down to the eaves or gutters where it refreezes and the accumulating ice makes a dam preventing additional snow melt from draining off. That s the underlying problem.

Trapped water can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to letting moisture enter your home. Clogged gutters can also cause water leaks on the inside of your home. And in the winter months ice dams can drive snow melt underneath your shingles. In many cases clogged gutters downspouts or a clogged drain tile causes them.

More critically ice dams can cause meltwater to back up under the shingles where it can flow down and ruin ceiling and wall surfaces. If ignored ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof gutters paint insulation and interior drywall and other surfaces. Homes that are located in naturally cold climates may experience ice dam formations. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

Wall and ceiling damage. Clogged gutters cause ice dams to form. We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. However a house with gutters can sometimes be prone to larger thicker ice dams when compared to a similar house that doesn t have gutters.

No matter what the gutter problem is you need to identify and address it as soon as possible.